UPND WELCOME CLEMENT TEMBO AS DP’S JUSTIN NKONGE EXPLAINS FUEL MEASURES
By Makasa chanda
Lusaka 1st April 2026
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has welcomed former opposition figure Clement Tembo into its ranks, in a development that highlights shifting political dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.
The announcement was made during a national briefing at Anderson Kambela Mazoka House in Lusaka, where political leaders also addressed the ongoing fuel crisis affecting the country.
TEMBO’S DEFECTION SIGNALS POLITICAL REALIGNMENT
UPND officials described Tembo’s defection from the Patriotic Front (PF) as part of a growing trend of opposition members joining the ruling party.
Leaders noted that Tembo, who has previously been active in Kawata Constituency politics, will be integrated into party structures and mobilization efforts.
They emphasized that:
The party remains open to all Zambians
New members should be actively involved in party activities
Unity and inclusiveness are central to UPND’s political approach
Officials also indicated that more defections are expected as the party intensifies its outreach.
JUSTIN NKONGE WEIGHS IN ON FUEL CRISIS
Speaking at the same briefing, Justin Nkonge, Secretary General of the Democratic Party (DP), defended government measures aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices.
Nkonge attributed the crisis largely to global factors beyond Zambia’s control, including disruptions in fuel supply linked to geopolitical tensions.
He described the situation as comparable to a force majeure, stressing that:
Zambia is affected by international oil market shocks
Supply disruptions inevitably lead to higher costs locally
Tax Measures Explained
Nkonge provided a detailed explanation of government interventions under President Hakainde Hichilema, particularly:
Zero-rating of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel imports
Suspension of certain customs duties
He clarified that:
Zero-rating means fuel remains within the VAT system but is taxed at 0%
This allows businesses to claim input VAT, reducing operational costs
The policy is intended to lower fuel prices and cushion consumers
According to Nkonge, these measures are more beneficial than outright VAT exemption, as they maintain incentives for businesses while easing price pressures.
UPND Pushes for Strong Electoral Support
The briefing also doubled as a mobilisation platform, with UPND leaders setting an ambitious target of securing up to 80% electoral support.
They urged party structures to:
Welcome and utilize new members like Tembo
Expand grassroots engagement
Promote government achievements such as free education
CONCLUSION
The event underscored a dual strategy of political expansion and economic messaging, with the UPND leveraging defections to strengthen its base while defending its handling of the fuel crisis.
As figures like Clement Tembo cross over from the opposition and voices like Justin Nkonge articulate government policy, the evolving political and economic landscape is set to play a critical role in shaping public opinion ahead of the next elections.
I was even wondering on which party ticket was Clement Tembo going to stand even when he was leading in the Kabwata opinion polls. We don’t have a PF party at the moment, we only have PF factions, he has just made a timely good move.