OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY JAMES GRACIOUS NTALASHA, CENTRAL PROVINCE UPND YOUTH CHAIRMAN
As the UPND Youth Wing in Central Province, we wish to categorically clarify that we have not identified any individual or political affiliation from the circulating videos and photos. The footage does not clearly show whether those involved belong to the UPND, the PF, or any other political organization. Therefore, any attempt to attribute the incident to our party is misleading and unfounded.
We strongly condemn all forms of violence, no matter who is involved. Violence has no place in our society or our political space. As a party in government, our responsibility is to maintain peace, protect all citizens, and uphold the values of democracy. His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and leader of the UPND, has also condemned this behaviour. As Zambians, we must all respect the President’s guidance and stand firmly against any acts that threaten the peace and unity of our nation.
Regarding the matter involving our senior opposition leader, we acknowledge and respect his long-standing service to the country. However, protocol must always be followed. If he felt he did not require a police permit for his activities, he should have, at the very least, notified the District Commissioner about his programme. Many of us were not aware of his presence in the area until information began circulating about what had transpired. Following established procedures is necessary to maintain order and ensure the safety of all citizens.
We value life, coexistence, and democratic expression. A government without a functioning opposition is a weak one, and we embrace the norms of democracy that allow divergent views to thrive. Zambia is a democratic nation, and we must all uphold the principles that protect our peace and unity.
As we move forward, we want to see a Zambia where peace and unity are strengthened, not undermined. We urge all citizens, especially political actors, to refrain from inflammatory statements and actions that endanger our country’s stability.
Finally, we wish to clarify the misinformation circulating online. The individual by the name Don Mwenda is not a UPND Youth Leader at the provincial level and does not hold any position within our youth structures. Any statement he has issued was done purely in his individual capacity and does not represent the position of the UPND. We urge the public and the media to treat his remarks accordingly.
No one should rush to issue statements to the media without clearance from the relevant authorities. Proper communication channels must always be respected to avoid misleading the public.
Issued by:
James Gracious Ntalasha
Central Province Youth Chairman
United Party for National Development (UPND)
Date: 19th November 2025
These are lubindas own making, if desperation
This is not the Statement which this same Ntalasha , UPND Central Province Youth Chairman issued yesterday.
In the statement yesterday, he clearly admitted that those were UPND cadres and Confronted Hon Given Lubinda on grounds that he didn’t have a Police Permit for his engagement in Kabwe. Since when did Party Cadres start looking around for People with Police Permits holding engagements. Is the UPND part of the Zambia Police Service?
A few hours later, obviously realizing the flawed nature of his earlier statement, he is now claiming they didn’t even know that Hon Given Lubinda was in town, and no party cadre was involved.
The earlier statement is on record. Hon Given Lubinda was attacked by UPND cadres , and the Central Committee Youth Chair confirmed this, and gave a reason… To him Hon Given Lubinda had no Police Permit , and the UPND youths took it upon themselves and brutalized, Manhandled causing bodily harm on the PF President.
What we are seeing is just a prelude of what is expected from this violent organization as we head towards the General Elections. As the writing on the wall , on the exit of the UPND becomes clear, thats when Zambians will know the ” Terrorist” Organisation they gave power to in 2021.
Correction.. The earlier statement admitting that those were UPND cadres was made by the UPND Kabwe Youth Chairman, a Mr Mwangala.
A few hours later, the Central Province Youth Chairman, Ntalasha issues another Statement.
Unfortunately, the reaction has come too late. The worst action has already been done. The damage is done and the exposure that it is the lower ranks from your party is out and we all know it now.
There is no amount of explaining that will be able to wash out this self splashed paint on the party due to indiscipline and arrogance of the so called grass roots.
What is important now is to do the right thing. Senior members in charge of the ranks need to issue a public apology to the injured Honourable and senior citizen, for this unnecessary and reckless action. Take the responsibility to deal with the perpetrators according to our law.
It should be clearly understood here that criminal actions were committed yesterday. These ranged from, forced entry into a private place, abduction, assault and impersonation of law enforcement officers. These are serious crimes that can not be simply explained away. The right thing to do is to arrest all the culprits who committed this unfortunately senseless illegal act.
When discipline is lacking within the ranks if not sorted out early it may be the knife that cuts deep to destroy everything being built. As we have just witnessed it can happen in minutes.
This is a ser up. Someone has been paid for this.