MUNDUBILE PF FACTION APPOINTS TASILA LUNGU AMID MOURNING, SPARKING MORAL AND POLITICAL DEBATE
By Augustine Chewe
The Brian Mundubile-led faction of the Patriotic Front (PF) has ignited controversy following its decision to appoint Ms. Tasila Lungu as National Youth Chairperson, a move critics describe as politically opportunistic and insensitive, coming a few months after the death of her father, former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL).
The appointment was made on 7 February 2026 during a meeting convened under the banner of the Tonse Alliance, where the Mundubile faction announced a series of sweeping leadership changes. Ms. Lungu, a former Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency, was among the most notable appointees.
However, the timing of her appointment has raised serious moral, cultural, and political questions. Ms. Lungu is yet to lay her father to rest and is still within a period traditionally reserved for mourning under Zambian customs. Critics argue that the decision reflects a disregard for both cultural norms and the emotional wellbeing of the former First Family. Sources within the Mundubile faction have further revealed growing unease over the motives behind the move.
According to insiders, Mr. Mundubile is said to be attempting to rehabilitate his political standing after previously falling out of favour with the late President Lungu. During that fallout, Mr. Mundubile was associated with sustained public ridicule and attacks directed at ECL through the Munyaule Facebook page—actions that reportedly strained relations irreparably.
Political observers argue that the sudden elevation of Ms. Lungu appears less about empowering youth leadership and more about leveraging the late President’s legacy for political gain. This perception is reinforced by the fact that Ms. Lungu recently lost her Chawama parliamentary seat after being absent from the National Assembly beyond the constitutionally permitted period.
Customary law and societal norms in Zambia place significant emphasis on respect for the deceased and observance of mourning periods.
Analysts contend that ignoring these traditions for political expediency casts doubt on Mr. Mundubile’s judgment and leadership credentials.
Even efforts to manage the faction’s public image appear strained. Mr. Oscar Chavula, a media personality and proprietor of Hot FM, who is reportedly advising the Mundubile faction on public relations, is said to be facing growing challenges in defending and rationalising the faction’s controversial decisions.
As divisions within the Patriotic Front continue to widen ahead of the 2026 General Election, the appointment of Tasila Lungu under such circumstances risks deepening internal resentment and further eroding public confidence in the faction’s moral compass and leadership direction.