UPND UNFAZED BY CHAWAMA LOSS, CITES STRONG URBAN BASE AND CONFIDENT FOR AUGUST POLLS

United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director General of the UPND Presidential Election Campaign Support Unit, Frank Bwalya has stated that the party is not shaken by its loss in the Chawama Parliamentary by-election, noting the constituency was not among its strongholds.

Mr. Bwalya has argued that the narrow margin of defeat demonstrates the Chawama electorate’s appreciation for the “New Dawn” administration’s achievements in the area.

He adds that the victory of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) candidate, Bright Nundwe, reaffirms Zambia’s status as a multi-party democracy where citizens freely choose their representatives.

Mr. Bwalya has further expressed strong confidence in the UPND’s prospects, predicting it will easily secure urban constituencies and achieve a landslide victory in the August 13th general elections.

HH WALKS DEMOCRACY TALK

TO DEMONSTRATE a true spirit of democracy, President Hakainde Hichilema has congratulated former Copperbelt Province permanent secretary Bright Nundwe for winning the Chawama parliamentary by-election under Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD).

The by-election was necessitated by the declaration of the seat vacant following the longer than necessary absence of Tasila Lungu, who has been in South Africa since the death of her father, former President Edgar Lungu, on June 5, 2025.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page yesterday, President Hichilema described Thursday’s by-election as a tightly contested race.

The head of State said in a democracy, every election must ultimately produce one winner, yet its deeper purpose is to strengthen harmony, peace and unity among all citizens.

“For this reason, we commend the UPND, all participating candidates, and, above all, the people of Chawama, whose collective commitment ensured that the democratic process functioned as it should,” he said.

The President also commended Electoral Commission of Zambia and law enforcement agencies for conducting a transparent, orderly and secure election.

Mr Hichilema said their professionalism contributed to an environment in which the will of the people could be freely and peacefully expressed.

Zambia Daily Mail

‘WHY ME ’ WAS APPREHENDED IN CHIRUNDU, WITNESS TELLS COURT

A TEAM leader of the National Cyber Task Force has told the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court that Francis Kapwepwe, popularly known as ‘Why Me’ was apprehended on July 25, 2025, in Chirundu.

In this matter, Kapwepwe is charged with two counts of hate speech and one count of expressing hatred, ridicule, or contempt for persons because of race, tribe, place of origin or colour.

Particulars of the offence in count one are that on March 31, 2025, Kapwepwe, using a computer system via his TikTok page, ‘Why Me the Lion of the World’, knowingly without lawful excuse used hate speech against the Tonga people, stating:

‘Nalumango is a *** woman, who has allowed President Hakainde Hichilema to take Tongas to Kaputa District in her home area without saying a word, and that she is being used…’

Particulars of the offence in the second count are that on April 3, 2025, Kapwepwe, using a computer via a TikTok page called ‘Why Me the Lion of the World’, knowingly without lawful excuse used hate speech against the people of Southern Province, stating: ‘the President wants to install his fellow Tonga Chief Mukuni as a King disregarding the four Senior Chiefs we have in the country, and that he should just separate Southern Province from Zambia and give it another name’.

Particulars of the offence in the last count are that on April 8, 2025, on his TikTok page called ‘Why Me the Lion of the World’, Kapwepwe uttered words that expressed or showed hatred, ridicule, or contempt for the people of Southern Province.

When the matter came up for cross examination before, Magistrate Idah Phiri Mupemo, Friday, Detective Inspector Ackson Banda told court that Kapwepwe was apprehended in Chirundu.

Asked by Kapwepwe’s lawyer Jonas Zimba if he apprehended his client on July 25, 2025, Banda said yes.

Asked how many motor vehicles were used in the operation, Banda said one grey Toyota Hilux was used.

Further asked if he was aware that Kapwepwe was arrested near a filling station in Zimbabwe, Banda said he was not aware.

Asked if he was aware that Kapwepwe was apprehended on June 02, 2025, Banda said he was not aware.

Further asked to confirm if he was aware that Kapwepwe was arrested in Zimbabwe, folded like a wheel placed into a box transported to Chirundu, Banda said he was not aware.

Asked if on the day of apprehension, he did not have a permit to enter Zimbabwe and apprehended someone, Banda said he would not agree.

Asked if he did not have any interpol clearance on June 02, 2025, to conduct any activity in Zimbabwe, Banda said he didn’t have any permission.

Further asked if he would contest an indication that he was in Zimbabwe and apprehend Kapwepwe, Banda said yes.

Magistrate Phiri adjourned the matter to January 22, 2026, for continuation of trial.

News Diggers

MUMBI WONDERS HOW UPND HAS CLEANSED KALIMANSHI

FORMER PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri is wondering if UPND is like River Jordan where “sinners” get cleansed when they join the party.

Recently, Innocent Kalimanshi, a cadre who was perceived to be among the violent cadres in the former ruling party defected to the ruling party.

And in an interview on Wednesday, UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa defended the former PF cadre Kalimanshi and others who recently joined the party saying they had repented because they publicly apologised.

Commenting on Mweetwa’s remarks in an interview, Phiri said the UPND was desperate for numbers to an extent they could admit people labelled as criminals in the party.

“I started saying this when UPND won, when they started receiving defectors. I asked the UPND that, ‘are you like the River Jordan?’ River Jordan is the river in the Bible where if you have leprosy, you go and cleanse yourself and become pure and clean. So, to UPND, whether you are labelled like a criminal like these Congolese who are killing our Zambians, if you go and join them, you become clean. And for the people of Zambia, they should see that they don’t mean well. And its desperation they can pick anybody to go and join them, as long as they can parade them. Whether they beat people or they are criminals. They can even accept ex-Katangis from Congo DR as long as they join them. For them it’s desperation, they know they are losing,” Phiri said.

“They are looking for numbers, they can receive anything. So, what Mweetwa has never answered is, is UPND River Jordan, where you get cleansed if you go and join them? Father Bwalya was telling their own president, and he asked him a question. The same question Father walutoshi asked and he said, use a graph to answer me.

Father Bwalya is the one who told us that he borrowed the words of Fred M’membe to describe President Hakainde Hichilema. It’s only people like me who don’t believe that when I don’t agree with something, I can change the way we turn on the bed and go to the other side because some of us are principled”.

Phiri further advised the “next” government not to accept everybody for the sake of numbers but work hard to receive those with no bad records.

“So, people should learn to be principled. The next government which is coming in, they should learn from these not to receive everybody for the sake of numbers. There are people who are not even politicians who are out there. There are people who are 70 years old who have never been in politics.

There are people who are 21 years old who have never been in politics. Work hard to receive those who have no bad records than making people look like when they join you it’s like River Jordan you will be cleansed. He (Mweetwa) has never answered me, is UPND River Jordan that when you go to join them your sins are cleansed?” wondered Phiri.

News Diggers

FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE CHIBESAKUNDA URGES OPPOSITION UNITY AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS

By Gloria Mwangala, Freelance Journalist

Former Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda has called on opposition political leaders and civil society actors to unite in a bid to remove the New Dawn Government from power ahead of the August 2026 General Election.

Justice Chibesakunda chaired a meeting of the Council of Elders held on Friday, 16 January, 2026, at Kapingila House in Kabulonga. The meeting was attended by several opposition political party leaders, most of them affiliated with the Patriotic Front (PF), as well as representatives from civil society organisations.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, Justice Chibesakunda urged participants to remain calm as the Council of Elders continues consultations with various aspiring opposition presidential candidates. The objective, the meeting was told, is to arrive at a single opposition presidential candidate who would challenge the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in the 2026 polls.

Among those present at the meeting were NGOCC Chairperson Ms Beatrice Katebe, Mr Fackson Shamenda, a former labour movement leader and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung actor, PF faction leader Mr Given Lubinda, former Higher Education Minister Mr Brian Mushimba, and Ms Chishala Kateka, among others.

The involvement of Justice Chibesakunda in mobilising opposition unity has, however, sparked debate within political and legal circles. Critics argue that her active role raises questions about the perceived independence of the Judiciary during the Patriotic Front’s time in government, particularly given her former position as Chief Justice.

Furthermore, the developments have reignited discussions around the opposition’s calls for the separation of powers. Some observers question whether these calls are driven by genuine democratic conviction or are influenced by the opposition’s own experiences and alleged abuses of authority during their time in power.

As Zambia moves closer to the 2026 General Election, the unfolding efforts to consolidate the opposition are likely to intensify public debate around governance, democratic norms, and the role of former state officials in partisan political processes.

🇿🇲 WEEKEND DIGEST | Chawama After the Ballot: Grief, Green Waves, and a Rattled Ruling Party

Chawama has spoken, and the aftershocks are still rippling through Zambia’s political landscape.

On Friday morning, Hakainde Hichilema broke his public silence with a brief but statesmanlike Facebook post, accepting defeat and congratulating the opposition. His message was measured, calm, and deliberately institutional, praising the people of Chawama, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, and law enforcement for a peaceful poll. It was the language of a sitting president protecting the legitimacy of the system, even as the political meaning of the loss sank in.

UPND candidate Morgan Muunda followed suit. His concession was dignified and reflective, framed around unity, service, and respect for the will of the people. In tone, it contrasted sharply with what followed inside the ruling party. As votes were tallied and the final margin confirmed, sections of the UPND machinery turned inward. Quiet blame games began. Whispers about resources, organisation, and internal sabotage grew louder by the hour.

Across the aisle, the mood could not have been more different.

By Friday afternoon, Chawama had turned unmistakably green. Bright Nundwe, now duly elected Member of Parliament on the Forum for Democracy and Development ticket, drove through the constituency flanked by senior opposition figures. Among them were Given Lubinda and Miles Sampa, symbols of a Patriotic Front that, for the first time in months, looked animated, confident, and politically relevant again.

Celebrations spilled into the streets. Mockery followed. In one image that went viral, PF cadres wrapped a dog in UPND campaign regalia, a crude but telling sign of how emotionally charged the victory felt to opposition supporters.

This was not just a by-election win. It was psychological.

For the opposition, Chawama became proof of concept. A fragmented but coordinated opposition can still beat the ruling party in urban terrain, especially where history, identity, and emotion weigh heavily. The seat was triggered by the prolonged absence of Tasila Lungu, herself absent while mourning her father, Edgar Lungu.

This unresolved mourning has become political currency. In Chawama, grief was not background noise. It was the message.

Opposition actors leaned into it deliberately. The narrative was less about ideology and more about dignity, respect, and unfinished business. Voters were asked, implicitly and sometimes explicitly, to vote not just for a candidate, but for a memory. That strategy worked.

Inside UPND, the defeat has exposed uncomfortable truths. Public comments attributed to senior party officials about campaign funds not materialising have fuelled a growing perception that the ruling party’s grassroots structures remain underfunded and taken for granted. For a party now in government, this is a dangerous weakness. Chawama did not just test popularity. It tested internal discipline and trust.

Opposition voices have wasted no time sharpening their knives. Ackim Antony Njobvu went furthest, declaring the Chawama loss “the beginning of UPND’s end” and warning the ruling party to prepare for defeat in August.

The language was dramatic, perhaps overstated, but politically useful. It reinforced a growing opposition narrative that UPND’s biggest challenger is not another party, but voter fatigue, perceived economic pressure, and  alleged arrogance of power.

But perspective matters.

UPND still pulled 6,542 votes in a constituency long regarded as a PF fortress. This is not collapse. It is penetration. The ruling party is clearly closing in on urban opposition bases, even if it has not yet broken through. Chawama shows a narrowing gap, not an unbridgeable one.

For the opposition, the lesson cuts both ways. Unity works. Fragmentation nearly diluted a stronger victory. Remove Citizens First and smaller party votes from the equation, and the margin tightens dangerously. Chawama was won because opposition votes converged around one credible vehicle. Replicating this nationally will require discipline that the opposition has historically struggled to maintain

Still, this weekend belongs to the opposition.

Chawama re-energised PF-aligned politics, revived the Tonse Alliance narrative, and injected belief into parties that had begun to doubt their own relevance. It also reminded the ruling party that incumbency does not cancel emotion, and development statistics do not automatically override memory.

As Zambia heads deeper into the 2026 election year, Chawama will be cited again and again. Not because it changes the national arithmetic on its own, but because it exposed something more subtle.

Grief can still mobilise. Unity can still win.
And even a confident ruling party can bleed in familiar territory.

This is the real takeaway of the Chawama weekend.

© The People’s Brief | Francine Lilu

 VIEWPOINT | After Chawama, Evidence Must Replace Accusation

With the Chawama parliamentary by-election now concluded, the national conversation is shifting from ballots to behaviour.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has formally demanded an apology from Miles Sampa over claims that a “fake polling station” had been set up along Lilayi Road during the poll. The Commission has warned that failure to retract and apologise may trigger legal action. At the centre of the dispute are allegations circulated on social media, and reportedly reported to police, suggesting electoral manipulation in Chawama.

ECZ’s response was direct and detailed. Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro clarified that Chawama had 111 gazetted polling stations, all of which opened and closed within legally prescribed hours. Two stations along Lilayi Road, he explained, were operating in tents at Mutason Shopping Centre and were properly gazetted. There was nothing clandestine about them.

The Commission described the allegations as “false, misleading and unfounded,” and questioned how a sitting Member of Parliament could make such claims without basic verification.

This episode matters not because of who won or lost Chawama, but because of what it says about the health of Zambia’s democratic culture.

Elections are not sustained by outcomes alone. They are sustained by trust in process. When public figures allege rigging or “ghost polling stations” without evidence, they do more than criticise an institution. They inject doubt into the system itself. That doubt lingers long after votes are counted, regardless of who occupies the seat.

The irony is difficult to ignore. Chawama produced an opposition victory. The ruling party lost. But the electoral process remained peaceful, transparent, and orderly. President Hakainde Hichilema accepted the outcome publicly and congratulated the winning candidate. The UPND candidate conceded. The streets did not burn. Institutions held.

That is precisely why unsubstantiated allegations now ring hollow.

Opposition politics has every right, and indeed a duty, to scrutinise electoral processes. Vigilance is not subversion. But scrutiny demands evidence. Where there are irregularities, they must be documented, reported through lawful channels, and tested against facts.

Social media declarations and dramatic claims may mobilise supporters in the short term, but they weaken the very institutions that opposition parties rely on when they themselves win.

There is also a broader risk. Normalising accusations without proof trains the public to distrust outcomes selectively. If victory is celebrated as democratic but defeat is automatically framed as fraud, democracy becomes conditional, not principled. That is a dangerous precedent for any republic.

The Chawama by-election offered Zambia something rare in recent political memory: a competitive contest, high tension, strong emotions, and yet no systemic breakdown. Law enforcement acted with restraint. ECZ operated transparently. Observers confirmed the process. The outcome displeased one side and energised the other, but the system stood.

This is not something to casually undermine.

If those who alleged rigging possess evidence, now is the moment to present it. Not through innuendo. Not through viral posts. Through formal mechanisms that strengthen, rather than corrode, public confidence. If no such evidence exists, then retraction is not humiliation. It is responsibility.

Democracy is not tested only when we win. It is tested more sharply when we lose. Respect for institutions, especially after an unfavourable outcome, is what separates serious political leadership from reckless mobilisation.

Chawama is behind us. What remains is a choice. Zambia can either move forward with a strengthened democratic culture, or slide back into a cycle where every election is pre-emptively discredited. The path chosen in moments like this will matter far beyond one constituency.

Evidence must now replace accusation.

© The People’s Brief | Editors

CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION OUTCOME, IS PROOF THAT DEMOCRACY EXISTS IN ZAMBIA

Zambia as a country continues to embrace Constitutional democracy. This entails that it allows for participation of political parties in Presidential, Parliamentary and local government elections. This is significant in any democracy as free and fair elections is one of the tenets of democracy. Others of course include freedom of association and expression, among others.

In the lead to the Chawama Poll, campaigns were undertaken by all participating political parties in line with the guidelines provided by the Electoral Commission of Zambia. Ultimately, Bright Nundwe, FDD candidate emerged as winner of the Chawama Seat. This in its self adds to the country’s democratic credentials as it is proof the outcome is not predetermined in favour of the ruling party, which is the United Party for National Development.

Largerly, the manner the Chawama By-election was conducted gives confidence that the 2026 General election will be well managed and the electorate wish will prevail.

By Alex Mtonga

Ilelanga News. January 16, 2026.

BUSINESSES CAN ONLY REDUCE PRICES AFTER A YEAR OF STABLE KWACHA – SICHINGA

FORMER Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Bob Sichinga says citizens will only see a reduction in commodity prices when the Kwacha appreciation remains stable for about a year.

Sichinga says businesses and manufacturers have no confidence that the Kwacha appreciation will be sustained over a long period of time.

On Tuesday, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga called on businesses to review their pricing structures due to the continued appreciation of the Kwacha.

Commenting on the matter in an interview, Thursday, Sichinga said a price reduction of commodities could only happen when costs associated with production came down.

“As a principle, you expect that when an economy is doing well and you have a currency that is appreciating, prices will come down. They (prices) come down because it is expected that now the costs associated with production have also come down. Therefore, the Minister is perfectly in order to require that there should be a reduction in prices.

However, there’s a major condition attending to that; it’s not about a change that has taken place over four weeks because the manufacturers would have in their stocks materials that they had brought in at a price that was higher. So, my advice to the Minister, and also generally speaking, for those that want to comment as economists and so on and so forth, is that the only time you are going to see a change in prices is if that appreciation is stabilised over a longer period of time, not less than a year,” Sichinga explained.

“The Minister of Commerce cannot do much until the Kwacha has stabilised over a period of time, at least a year, then the people themselves in the business community will have the confidence that this currency will be maintained at this level. They are not confident. This change has occurred over a few weeks, you cannot expect that it will create sufficient confidence in the business community [and] that it will be sustained over a long period of time.

The issues of paying for taxes is impacting the value of the Kwacha, it is not because of the performance of the government that the Kwacha is appreciating this way. It is not because the Kwacha has increased in value on its own because of good economic management; it is because the Dollar is losing value against other currencies”.

Sichinga stressed that there was no stability in the currency to lead to the reduction of prices.

“If the price of the materials which they have at the moment was higher, it means the Kwacha they had expended was also higher. The manufacturers and other business people have been pressing the government [saying], ‘can you maintain the stability of the currency’. You may recall that this currency had gone up to as high as K29 to a Dollar.

Now, when you are in manufacturing, you don’t wait until prices change then you order the items because there’s a lead time, by the time the materials arrive at your doorstep, it will be six months, it may be, at shortest, if I say South Africa, it will be at three months. So, there hasn’t been that level of stability leading us up to now to expect that the prices will come down now,” Sichinga noted.

“You can even ask the Minster, what is the price of cement, the bulk of which is local material? Cement, today, is at over K175 per pocket. So, even for local production, until you have stabilised the currency over a period of time, I’m talking about at least a year. In fact, it will be in the interest of the producers themselves to reduce their prices, why, because if they don’t reduce their prices, it means that imported materials will be cheaper than theirs. They’ll be compelled, just because of competition. The Minister doesn’t even have to say anything, they’ll be compelled by competition to reduce the prices so that they can remain competitive”.

He highlighted that the factors contributing to the current appreciation of the Kwacha are temporal.

“You have to understand the factors that are responsible for this change; a lot of these changes are of a temporal nature. They are temporal because during this period, many businesses are required to pay taxes so those businesses that had already gotten money because of the instability of the Kwacha then, they expected that the Kwacha would be more expensive, they would require more Kwacha to get the Dollars, so they bought the Dollars before in order to keep those Dollars in store.

So, when prices rise, they can continue to get their goods overseas which are usually paid for in Dollars. So, they would have kept their Dollars in the expectation that they’ll use that money to get goods from outside whose price will be higher, whose Kwacha equivalent, in terms of prices, will be higher. So, they would have prepared themselves for that,” Sichinga explained.

Sichinga further said government’s decision to start accepting mining taxes in Chinese Yuan is a good move.

“The idea of settlement in Yuan is a very good concept internationally but then Zambia is not a member of [the] BRICS. So, if it was a wise move, they would have now moved to the BRICS grouping so that then they can be able to not just buy in terms of increasing the value of Kwacha and just for the settlement for the purchase of copper in Yuan, they should also be accepting the settlement in the Japanese Yen because we get a lot of things from Japan and Japan is a major buyer of Zambian copper.

Also, China is a major buyer of Zambian copper so it makes sense to have settlement in Yuan and because Zambia buys a lot of things from China so it needs the Yuan to settle the purchases from China, it makes sense,” said Sichinga.

News Diggers

“WE TOLD YOU SO” ACKIM NJOBVU MOCKS UPND AFTER CHAWAMA HUMILIATION

Democratic Union (DU) president Ackim Antony Njobvu has taken a swipe at the ruling UPND following its embarrassing loss in Chawama, declaring that the “beginning of the end” has finally arrived  right on schedule.

With barely four years in government, the party that cried in opposition for 23 solid years is already, according to Njobvu, coming apart at the seams. And if Chawama is anything to go by, the cracks are no longer rumours they are visible, loud, and humiliating.

“The other day I said maybe it was prophecy coming to pass,” Njobvu said, clearly enjoying the moment. “A party that stayed in opposition for 23 years has started disintegrating within just four years. By the time it clocks five years, it will be in tatters.”

For months, UPND cadres and sympathisers have arrogantly claimed there is “no opposition” in Zambia. But Njobvu says Chawama has delivered a rude awakening.

“They said there is no opposition, and we told them the opposition is the people of Zambia,” he said. “Now they have seen it for themselves.”

According to the DU leader, the Chawama loss is not an accident, nor is it a one-off protest vote. He argues it is a loud message from ordinary Zambians who are tired of excuses, slogans, and lectures while their daily lives grow harder.

“When the people become the opposition, no amount of press briefings can save you”.

UPND may still be in State House, but Njobvu insists the ground has started shifting beneath their feet and Chawama was just the first tremor.

As of publication, the ruling party was yet to respond, possibly still trying to explain how “there is no opposition” after losing to it.

MUUNDA ACCEPTS CHAWAMA ELECTION RESULTS, CALLS FOR UNITY AND CONTINUED SERVICE

Chawama,Lusaka 16th January 2026

By Jack Makayi

Former UPND parliamentary candidate Morgan Muunda has accepted the outcome of the recent election in Chawama, thanking residents for their participation and reaffirming his commitment to the constituency despite the loss.

In a statement released following the announcement of results, Muunda praised voters for engaging in the democratic process, describing their participation as vital to the strength of both the community and the nation.

“While the outcome did not go in our favour,  I accept the results with humility and respect for the will of the people, ” Muunda said, emphasizing that democracy must always take precedence.

Muunda expressed gratitude to his supporters, campaign team, volunteers, and well-wishers, noting that their belief and commitment would not be forgotten. He said the election result would not mark the end of his service to Chawama.

“This results does not end my commitment to Chawama, ” he said .” I remain devoted to serving our community, advocating for progress,and contributing positively to the development of our constituency in any way I can. “

Calling for unity and peace, Muunda urged residents to move forward together, stating that Chawama’s progress should remain the collective priority beyond individual ambitions or electoral outcomes.

Reflecting on the campaign period, he said the journey had deepened his understanding of the people of Chawama, citing their resilience, aspirations, and determination for a better future.

Muunda concluded his message by invoking blessings for the community and reaffirming his popular slogan, declaring, ” I remain the Big Machine  Munthu Wabanthu. “

CIC PRESS TEAM

‎LUNGU WAS ENJOYING WHISKEY KUMA LODGE – STATE HOUSE 
‎… while HH is working at his farm

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‎While some former presidents were enjoying whiskey and playing pool in Mfuwe Lodges, President Hakainde Hichilema is at his farm in Choma working, State House has charged.

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‎And Hamasaka has questioned those arguing that President Hichilema had overstayed in Choma, Southern Province, to mention where Mfuwe was where Lungu used to spend his long holidays.

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‎In an interview yesterday, State House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka expressed irritation with what he described as “pettiness” over sentiments questioning why President Hakainde Hichilema
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‎https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/lungu-was-enjoying-whiskey-kuma-lodge-state-house-while-hh-is-working-at-his-farm/
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UPND Lusaka Province Chairman Hon Obvious Mwaliteta Write’s _

DEMOCRACY HAS WON AN ELECTION WITHOUT PANGAS OR ANY FORM OF VIOLENCE .

Democracy has won an election conducted peacefully and without PANGAS or any form violence in chawama . This is a clear signal to our colleagues, the PF and all stakeholders that free, fair and peaceful elections are possible under the current leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. Even the clergy and other opinion leaders should take note and appreciate this milestone.

We therefore sincerely congratulate our colleagues in the FDD for scooping the Chawama seat. At the same time, we extend our appreciation to all party members and supporters for the commendable work and discipline displayed throughout the process. The turnout and numbers recorded in this by-election were low, it is encouraging and are a clear contrast to what we experienced under the previous violent regime.

As UPND, we remain committed to continued mobilisation and strengthening of the party, as this outcome is a very positive sign. We thank the people of Chawama for their support and for demonstrating that democracy can thrive in an environment of peace and respect.

We therefore appreciate the leadership of President HH for preaching peace love and unity in our country.

UPND provincial chairman
OSM.
Eyes on the ball.

‘GENERAL’ MOSQUITO DESCRIBES CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION LOSS AS LEARNING CURVE

UPND National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso has described the party’s loss in the Chawama by-election as painful but instructive, saying it has provided valuable lessons ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Mr Liswaniso said the party was grateful to all stakeholders who participated in the campaign, noting that the experience had laid a foundation for future electoral contests.

He said the by-election should be viewed as a learning curve for the party, particularly the leadership in Lusaka and those who supported the campaign from other provinces.

He thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for the support rendered during the campaign, along with UPND Chairperson Collins Maoma and Secretary General Batuke Imenda.

‘General’ Mosquito also acknowledged the campaign team led by Isaac Zulu, the provincial leadership, and several party officials, saying their contribution demonstrated collective commitment.

“We want to thank all those who did their best and played their part in this just-past by-election in Chawama,” he said.

Mr Liswaniso admitted that leadership was not without fault and appealed for constructive criticism.

He said his leadership remained open to dialogue, stating that “we are not perfect” and that mistakes may have been made during the campaign, but the party was committed to learning and improving.

He further said the party’s greatest achievement was the peaceful environment in which the campaign and the by-election were conducted.

“Our success is the peace and freedom our people enjoyed during this campaign and after it,” Mr Liswaniso said, adding that democracy had prevailed throughout the process.

Mr Liswaniso congratulated the FDD candidate Mr. Bright Nundwe on the victory, noting that it was achieved in a democratic atmosphere.

He said the outcome should prompt reflection within the UPND, particularly in Chawama, so that leaders could conduct self-introspection on areas that may have contributed to the loss.

He said although political losses are often difficult to accept, the UPND leadership was prepared to take responsibility for the outcome.

“We know and understand that no one can associate themselves with a loss, but we take the blame,” Mr Liswaniso said, emphasising that both winning and losing carry important lessons in a democratic system.

SE

– UGANDA – BOBI WINE ABDUCTED BY MUSEVENI.

Bobi Wine, the Ugandan opposition leader, has been taken by security forces from his home in Magere, a suburb of Kampala. According to reports, an army helicopter landed in his compound, and armed officers forcibly removed him to an unknown location. This incident occurred after the presidential election, which Bobi Wine described as a “fraudulent” process.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) party, led by Bobi Wine, claims that his home was surrounded by military and police forces, effectively placing him under house arrest. The party’s head of finance, Benjamin Katana, confirmed that Bobi Wine was not allowed to interact with his agents.

The incident has sparked concerns about the country’s democratic process, with many questioning the integrity of the electoral system. The opposition party has alleged widespread irregularities and human rights abuses during the election process.