Lubinda’s police report against Zumani may cost us votes next year – Canisius Banda

PF member Canisius Banda has advised Given Lubinda to withdraw the police report filed against fellow PF and Tonse member Chris Zumani Zimba, stating that such an action by the PF faction acting president may cost the party votes next year.

On Thursday, Lubinda reported Zumani to the police for cyber related crimes and defamation.

In a statement, Banda expressed shock that Lubinda had to report his fellow PF member who would help the party ascend to power in 2026 through his vote.

“I am deeply troubled by this report if it is indeed true. I am assuming that Zumani is an opposition member like all of us, who would give us not just a vote but vital strategic contributions,” said Banda.

“I am also thinking that Zumani is an insider in this opposition family who should be sat down by the acting president should there be disagreements between them.”

He explained that Lubinda needed to resolve whatever issues he had with his little brother Zumani internally.

“However, reporting him to police may cause the police to pounce on him. This certainly would take away from all of us. We may consider realising that should police move in on him, it is us who are expected to offer him solidarity. How then are we going to do so if or when the report is made by our own leader?
This is likely going to put the whole opposition undertaking in a very awkward position,” he stated.

“This may be time for reconciliation and more reconciliation within ourselves. Let us consider looking at the events of the last few days.”

Banda also wondered why PF cadres that disrupted Sean Tembo’s scheduled meeting about two weeks ago were not reported to the police.

“Our own supporters violently disrupted a meeting, which we were meant to attend. None of us reported those youths to police for the abuse we suffered. Even though some of our youths were calling for us to be arrested instead, we have all ignored this, and we are waiting for an optune time to discuss with our youths and hopefully reconcile with them.”

“If this report is true, I sincerely and strongly call upon the acting president to withdraw the report and pursue a more uniting route of reconciliation. The acting president could even consider deploying third parties who are abundantly available at his disposal to mediate,” urged Banda.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, October 11, 2025

ONLY BALLY CAN UNSEAT HH IN 2026
—————————————————

President Hakainde Hichilema’s development agenda being rolled out accross the country speaks volumes about his focused leadership.

Indeed, the Republican President has demonstrated unwavering dedication to duty and tacit commitment to improve citizens’ welfare by not only increased and expanded in scope CDF, which is a game-changer as  lives are being transformed, and infrastructural developmental projects are visible in all 156 constituencies nationwide, but also truly speaks to the  Zambian people’s aspirations.

Whilst his critics who all want to unseat him in 2026 are busy making political noise and empty promises to gain cheap political mileage, he’s delivering on his campaign promises such as the much appreciated re-introduced free education policy,   enabling children who previously were unable to go to school access education, especially children in far-flung rural areas like Western Province, creating pupils’ conducive learning environment by supplying schools with locally-made desks and other educational materials.

It is for these reasons, we are confident that only Bally can unseat HH as the Zambian people will no doubt renew President Hichilema’s mandate to govern the country in 2026.

Issued by:

Spuki Mulemwa
Western Province UPND Presidential Campaign Team Media Coordinator

The Fear of the Learned: Why UPND Trembles at the Name John Sangwa

By Dr. Mwelwa

In African politics, nothing frightens the powerful more than a man who cannot be bought, broken, or silenced. John Sangwa, SC, is such a man — and his sudden appearance on Zambia’s political stage has sent visible tremors through the ruling party. The same voices that once praised him for defending the rule of law now brand him foreign, immoral, and unworthy. What changed? He dared to speak, and worse — he dared to offer himself to lead.

Sangwa’s crime is not ambition; it is independence. For years, he stood as a guardian of constitutional order, a voice of caution against the abuse of power. He questioned both PF and UPND governments with equal conviction. When the opposition was crushed, he stood for justice. When the ruling elite needed moral credibility, they paraded his opinions as proof of their democratic credentials. But the moment he said, “I am available to serve,” they unsheathed their knives.

This is how tyranny operates in Africa — not in uniform, but in suits; not with decrees, but with microphones. It does not arrest you immediately; it ridicules you first. It questions your birthplace, your faith, your private life — until you appear too scandalous to be listened to. When Matambo bans Sangwa from Copperbelt, when Mwaliteta mocks his purported bachelorhood, when Simuuwe manufactures a foreign origin, they are not defending democracy — they are defending fear.

Fear that ideas may once again command more respect than positions. Fear that a man with no party machinery could inspire genuine hope. Fear that a citizen could rise without permission from the establishment. African history is littered with such fears — from Lumumba to Nkrumah, from Tsvangirai to Biko — all men who threatened power not with armies, but with clarity.

The truth is simple: UPND’s reaction is not political strategy; it is political insecurity. A confident government debates ideas. A frightened one bans entry, insults celibacy, and questions nationality. The very leaders who shout “democracy!” from the rooftops now tremble before a citizen exercising his right to participate. If democracy is only for the loyal, then it is no longer democracy — it is selective liberty wearing the mask of freedom.

The Constitution of Zambia is clear — every citizen has the right to speak, assemble, and contest. Sangwa has broken no law. But in a land where power fears intellect, truth itself becomes subversive. Matambo and his cohorts should remember: no government ever survived by insulting its thinkers. When the drum of wisdom beats, even kings must listen, for the people will follow the rhythm of truth.

Sangwa has done nothing but remind us that freedom is not granted — it is practiced. And those who attempt to silence him have already confessed their guilt before the nation. For as the African proverb says, “It is the guilty dog that barks loudest.”

LEADERSHIP MOVEMENT SLAMS UPND OVER FAILURE TO INVEST IN REAL DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS
………Calls for Nuclear Energy and Industrialization-Led Agenda

The Leadership Movement (LM) has launched a sharp critique against the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), accusing it of lacking vision and seriousness in addressing Zambia’s long-term development needs particularly in the energy and agriculture sectors.

In a strongly worded statement, LM spokesperson and Kabwata aspiring candidate, Chairman PK Chalwe, said the UPND government has failed to inspire confidence, arguing that “the years of UPND have not produced a revitalized or united Zambia.”

“Our concern with UPND, as Leadership Movement, is the lack of investment in real indicators of development,” Chalwe said. “At this juncture, we needed to hear a long-term energy plan we have not heard it.”

He added that while government continues to boast about Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, citizens on the ground have yet to see these figures translate into tangible progress.

“They tell us of enormous numbers in CDF that the people fail to see translate into real development,” Chalwe charged. “The development index looks low, corruption seems to be on the rise, and there is a general lack of urgency that continues to gloom the future.”

LM has also expressed disappointment in the agricultural sector’s performance, describing it as “meager” despite the country’s vast potential. Chalwe said the sector, along with others, needs a complete rethinking to generate meaningful income and employment for citizens.

The party further accused the UPND government of over-dependence on foreign investors, a trend it says undermines national sovereignty and homegrown progress.

“There is too much dependency on investors even when we can clearly see other countries coming to terms with the fact that only citizens can lead in national development,” he said.

The party argues that Zambia’s worsening energy crisis is evidence of failed leadership and poor planning. Chalwe dismissed the government’s increased reliance on solar energy, calling it a “makeshift solution” that cannot support serious industrial growth.

Instead, LM is proposing bold alternatives including nuclear power and a new hydro-power station in the Northern region as part of a long-term national energy plan.

“Leadership Movement has been categorical: LET US GO NUCLEAR. This is the only way to secure Zambia’s energy future,” Chalwe emphasized. “A hydro-power station in the northern part of the country would also help quench our power challenges.”

He concluded by reiterating that only decisive, visionary leadership can lift Zambia out of its current economic stagnation.

“That is why we always say, Zambia rise up! Leadership Movement is a movement for quality leadership and an industrialization-led agenda,” Chalwe declared.

©️ KUMWESU | October 11, 2025

HH THINKS THINGS ARE BETTER UNDER HIM BECAUSE HE AND HIS CIRCLE ARE EATING – KALABA

CITIZENS First President Harry Kalaba says President Hakainde Hichilema should stop mocking Zambians, arguing that the economy has become worse than it was four years ago.

Kalaba was responding to President Hichilema’s recent remarks questioning if those saying things are worse than they were before live in Zambia.

In an interview, Friday, Kalaba said the President and the people around him are eating, that’s why he thinks there is no suffering in the country.

“President Hichilema is being very, very insensitive because the President is eating, [and] people around him are eating. As a result of that, the President thinks there is no suffering in the country.

Now what we can tell the President is that there is a lot of suffering in Zambia. And people are struggling, people are poorer now than they were four years ago. The economy has become worse than it was four years ago and
Mr Hichilema cannot tell the Zambians that things are better off now.

When you look at electricity, we used to have two to three hours of load shedding before, now we are having 20 hours of load shedding. When you look at the price of mealie meal, a bag of mealie meal was costing K140, K135, today we are buying a bag of mealie meal at K300,” he said.

“When you look at fuel, the price of fuel per litre was somewhere around K17, K16 per litre, today we are buying fuel at almost K30 per litre. Before he came into government, maize [and] fertiliser, farmers were getting eight bags each per farmer.

Today, farmers are literally sharing fertiliser in medas, so how can he even say that things are better? I think the President should stop mocking the Zambian people, he has mocked us enough through the lies he has been telling us. Let him stop mocking the Zambians”.

When told that the President indicated that the economy was declining at negative 2.8% but now it is projected to be growing at 6.6%, Kalaba said the problem with President Hichilema is that he is theoretical and not realistic, adding that people are not interested in statistics as they only want to eat.

“Those indicators must reflect what is in the pot. Let’s be practical, let’s stop theories. The problem with our President is he is very theoretical and the reason why he is theoretical is that he has never done grassroot politics to understand that people don’t believe in theories. What people want is like what that Catholic priest said, balefwaya ulu toshi (they want food).

People want to eat, not those [figures like] negative two per cent. ‘It has grown by 6.6%,’ it has grown by 6.6% for him because all of us are just struggling, we are suffering. So he is wasting our time with those theories,” said Kalaba.

News Diggers

AKASHAMBATWA MBIKUSITA LEWANIKA CALLS FOR NEW LEADERSHIP BEYOND UPND AND PF

Veteran politician Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika has expressed concern over Zambia’s political direction, warning that the country’s future will remain uncertain if leadership continues to rotate between the United Party for National Development-UPND and the Patriotic Front-PF.

In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Lewanika says Zambia, like many African countries, needs a new brand of leadership rooted in service to the people and guided by national rather than personal interests.

He has observed that while some progress has been made, much more must be done to nurture a leadership culture anchored on accountability, humility, and long-term national planning.

Mr. Lewanika has further urged citizens to critically reflect on the qualities they expect from those seeking public office, emphasizing that good governance begins with informed choices at the ballot.

He adds that creating space for constructive dialogue and accommodating diverse political viewpoints will help strengthen Zambia’s democracy and promote more inclusive governance.

PN

Subject: A New sunrise for Zambia is Possible!

11th October, 2025.

Fellow Zambians,

In this election season, the air is thick with promises. But our nation needs more than just words; we need proven leadership and a clear path forward.

The choice before us is not just between names on a ballot. It is a choice between inexperience and a seasoned leader, between division and unity, between stagnation and progress.

That proven leader is President Harry Kalaba.

He is not learning on the job; he is ready to lead on day one. With a deep understanding of governance and a record of service, he offers the competence our country desperately needs.

His commitment is to peaceful, inclusive leadership. He will collaborate, not dictate, bringing together the best minds from across our nation to work for you.

This is our chance to turn the page. To reject the politics of the past and vote for a future of stability, collaboration, and prosperity

Vote for experience. Vote for peace. Vote for a leader ready to serve.

Vote Harry Kalaba for a United and Prosperous Zambia.

Citizens first is your hope.

Issued by:

Faith Munthali
National Chairlady
Citizens First

CATHOLIC BISHOPS OPPOSE BILL 7 BEFORE 2026 ELECTIONS

ZAMBIA Conference of Catholic Bishops President Archbishop Ignatius Chama has cautioned government against enacting Bill 7 a few months before the 2026 general elections.

Addressing the media, Archbishop Chama insisted that the people must drive the constitution amendment process.

“On 1st October, Catholic Bishops wrote a pastoral letter speaking against government’s decision to take to Parliament Bill 7 of 2025. We heard the Constitutional Court’s ruling about what government was supposed to do by consulting the people about Bill 7. Fortunately, the President said he would not continue with Bill 7, and we were all in one accord that it’s not only government that needs to make a decision on behalf of the people.

However, it didn’t take time. We heard in the National Assembly that Bill 7 is not dead and that it would be resurrected until enacted into law. This caught us by surprise. We wrote another pastoral letter as Catholic Bishops to the people of Zambia and called on all members of parliament to listen to God’s voice in their hearts and refuse to bring back Bill 7 to Parliament,” he said in Bemba.

“The following day, on 2nd October, we saw names of those appointed by the President to be on the Technical Committee to draft constitution amendments by widely consulting people across the country. This was how it was supposed to be since the beginning of constitutional amendments, before government drafted Bill 7.

Government does not own the Constitution. The people must drive their own constitution amendment process and exclude what they feel is not helpful, not government. Not only the clergy, traditional leaders, the educated or the rich or the ruling party should take part in the constitution amendment process. This is not it. Everyone must take part in the constitution amendments. Government must help people who should efficiently take part in this process”.

Archbishop Chama said it was clear that government wanted Bill 7 enacted before the 2026 elections.

“Since the Technical Committee on Constitution Amendments has been constituted, it is well-intended. But even if we don’t speak, will this Committee manage to conduct consultations in the entire country and give time to people to express themselves within a short period of time before the 2026 general elections?

Are the resources the Committee will be using included in the 2025 national budget? Farmers have produced maize and sold to FRA but have not been paid. Will it not help us as a country if this Committee is given ample time to conduct wide consultations on constitution amendments beyond the 2026 elections?” he asked.

“Let’s ask for God’s guidance on this constitution amendment process. Speed kills. The world will not come to an end if this process doesn’t end before the 2026 elections because it has clearly shown that the government wants Bill 7, which is dead, to be enacted before the 2026 elections. This is not how it is supposed to be.

We must all be truthful if we’re to serve the people. By doing things in a rush, we’ve turned into a country that wants to change the Constitution each time there’s a change of government. We’ve become a country that changes the Constitution in line with what government wants, and not what people want”.

Archbishop Chama called on people to pray for the Technical Committee on Constitution amendments as they embark on the important process.

“Government and the people must listen to God’s voice in our hearts by doing what the people of Zambia want in the constitution amendments and not what government wants. Let’s pray for the Technical Committee members so that they are truthful and be fearful of God and want the best for the country.

In conclusion, the President has appointed a Technical Committee saying, ‘only a truly people-driven process can yield a Constitution that strengthens national unity, enhances inclusivity and responds faithfully to the aspirations of all Zambians’. These were the words of the President when appointing the Committee. Let’s wait and see if this will happen,” said Archbishop Chama.

News Diggers

TIME TO REDEEM ZAMBIA – MUNDUBILE

During my interview on Prime Television with Frank Mutubila, I called on my fellow opposition leaders to rise above personal ambition and unite for the sake of our nation.

If we continue working in isolation, Zambia risks political paralysis while our people continue to suffer under economic hardship.

“If you crawl to Community House at night, you cannot stand for the people by day. This is not the time to sell our souls for allowances , it is the time to redeem them for Zambia.”

Unity must be built on shared values, transparency, and patriotism and not on personal gain or secret dealings. The ruling party benefits most when the opposition is divided, compromised, or competing for short-term rewards.

Zambians are crying for liberation. We are in our second struggle for independence … not from colonial rule, but from poverty, corruption, and political greed.

True political funding must be transparent and handled through proper party structures. Only then can we rebuild trust and restore integrity in our politics.

“Unity is not a slogan. It is the only weapon left for the suffering Zambian people.”

#TimeToRedeemZambia #ZambiaFirst

Brian Mundubile
Mporokoso member of Parliament

DPP PLEDGES TO END MINING TAX HOLIDAYS

…and ensure Zambian ownership of mines

Lusaka… Friday October 10, 2025

Democratic Progressive Party – DPP President Antonio Mourinho Mwanza has called for the removal of tax holidays in the mining sector, pledging sweeping reforms aimed at ensuring Zambians benefit more from the country’s natural resources.

Speaking on Radio Phoenix’s “Let the People Talk” programme in Lusaka today, Mr. Mwanza said the DPP would critically review all existing tax arrangements in the mining industry once it forms government.

He emphasized that Zambia’s mineral wealth must directly benefit its citizens rather than foreign investors.

“We as DPP will cancel that arrangement. Going forward, there will be no mining firm that will be opened without Zambians as majority shareholders. Every mining firm, going forward, must have majority shareholding in the hands of Zambians,” he said.

Mr. Mwanza lamented that Zambia is not receiving a fair share of mining revenues because all large-scale mining companies are foreign-owned.

He further vowed that under a DPP government, no raw copper exports would be permitted.

“We will not allow mines to export raw copper in the form of blisters and concentrates. Mining companies must invest in smelters, processing, and manufacturing. That’s the only way we can create jobs for our young people,” he explained.

The DPP leader also expressed concern over the significant revenue losses from Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds, revealing that the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) pays out about K9 billion annually, with more than 70 percent going to fewer than six foreign-owned mining firms.

“We will cancel tax breaks and tax holidays that have been given to mining firms. When you look at the VAT refunds ZRA pays–K9 billion per year–about 81 percent of that goes to less than six mining firms. Who owns these mines? Foreigners,” he stated.

Mr. Mwanza also questioned the true beneficiaries of Zambia’s economic growth, citing recent government reports of 6.2 percent GDP growth.

“The question is, who owns that GDP? We have identified sectors that can create jobs for our young people—mining being number one. But who owns the mining sector? It’s foreigners. Zambians don’t own it,” he said.

He announced that a DPP government would review all existing mining agreements line by line, ensuring that the industry is restructured to give Zambians control and majority ownership.

“There is no large-scale mining firm owned by Zambians. The gold is in foreign hands. When DPP forms government, we will restructure the mining arrangements to make sure the sector is owned and controlled by the Zambian people,” he added.

Mr. Mwanza further highlighted that while the mining sector accounts for about 72 percent of Zambia’s foreign exchange earnings, its contribution to GDP remains below 15 percent.

“Where does the rest of the money go? It goes back to Europe, to China, and to those who own the mines,” he said.

Private Health Facilities Withdraw NHIMA Services Over K100 Million Debt

By Mukwima Chilala

Private health facilities have unilaterally decided to withdraw services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIMA) due to government’s failure to address a debt exceeding K100 million owed to them.

As of August this year, the government was reported to owe over K100 million to private health facilities across the country.

The scheme has continued dispensing prescriptions in both public and private facilities, even in cases where the required medicines are available.

In an interview with Millennium Radio, Health-care Federation of Zambia President, Dr. Shailen Desai, confirmed that private health facilities have resolved to suspend NHIMA services owing to the prolonged non-payment.

Dr. Desai adds that facilities still offering the service have scaled down the number of treatments provided, citing government’s lack of commitment to dismantling the debt.

He has warned that the situation is choking the operations of private health providers and could negatively affect the quality of healthcare delivery to citizens.

Katele Kalumba ( Kaka Wesu ) writes……..

Kaunda was not clean. Chiluba was not clean. Mwanawasa was not clean. Banda was not clean.

Sata was not clean. Lungu was not Clean. Hichilema is not clean. Just fight it out as politicians. No one goes into politics for philathropy.  Bufi.  I have said it without fear or favor. Bemba tribalism is real, Bantu Botatwe tribalism is real. Ngoni  Nsenga, Chewa tribalism is real.

Lozi, Luvale, Kaonde, Lunda tribalism is real. Do not pretend. Each President who goes into power  enjoys the office and wants to stay longer than the constitution permits. stop being hypocrites. Just get into the ring and fight. Every Zambian is a refugee  whose ancestors ran away from war to seek peace.

If Kaunda ruled you, what other reason do you have for pointing fingers? Be proud of where your ancestors came from.

Add your legacy to the peace jigsaw puzzle of Zambia. Stop pointing fingers. Just fight as political players. Why have you abandoned the Zambia Centre For Interparty Dialogue?

CHANGALA TURNS HIS GUNS ON MUNDUBILE: CALLS HIM “A FOX” AND ACCUSES HIM OF MANIPULATION

By Chilufya Kasonde

In an unexpected political outburst, outspoken civil rights activist Brebner Changala has taken aim at Brian Mundubile, accusing the Patriotic Front (PF) Parliamentarian of being “a fox” and “a manipulative politician” who does not deserve to lead the opposition or the country.

Speaking in what appears to be his latest salvo in Zambia’s ever-evolving opposition politics, Changala claimed that Mundubile is not a genuine leader and has allegedly used underhanded tactics to gain influence within the Tonse Alliance and the broader opposition movement.

Changala specifically accused Sean Tembo, leader of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), and Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba, a former presidential advisor, of working behind the scenes to manipulate former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) into altering a list of appointments to suit their regional and political interests.

“Tembo and Zimba allegedly co-opted names of individuals mostly from the Eastern Province and the Northern Region to boost Mundubile’s political standing and his chances of being elected as President of the Tonse Alliance,” Changala charged.

He described the move as a “betrayal of fairness and democracy”, arguing that the manipulation of names based on regional alliances undermines the credibility of the opposition and disadvantages other aspiring leaders within the PF and allied parties.

“It’s unfair to other presidential aspirants both within the PF and among the opposition. Such behaviour only exposes Mundubile’s lack of integrity and his desperation for power,” Changala said.

Clearly frustrated, Changala made it known that he would not support Brian Mundubile for any presidential bid, citing a lack of trust and moral clarity in his leadership style.

“Mundubile behaves like a fox — cunning, deceptive, and driven purely by self-interest. Zambia needs leaders who can unite the country, not those who thrive on manipulation and division,” he said.

Instead, Changala threw his moral weight behind Given Lubinda, the current PF acting president, and Raphael Nakacinda, the party’s Secretary General, describing them as “principled, loyal, and consistent” figures who can restore the PF’s credibility.

“Lubinda and Nakacinda may not be perfect, but they have remained loyal to the party and the people. They represent a more honest and stable brand of leadership,” he said.

Political analysts have described Changala’s remarks as a reflection of deepening factional cracks within the PF and the opposition bloc ahead of the 2026 general elections, as rival camps jostle for dominance and recognition.

If his allegations are anything to go by, the battle for opposition unity — and for control of the PF legacy — is far from over.

⬆️ BUILD-UP | LUBINDA DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM UNITED FRONT ELECTION PLANS, CALLS FOR HEALING WITHIN OPPOSITION

Patriotic Front faction leader Given Lubinda has denied knowledge of plans to select a joint opposition presidential candidate under the United Front within two weeks, saying he has not attended recent meetings and remains focused on internal party recovery following the death of former president Edgar Lungu.

The statement comes after Socialist Party president Dr. Fred M’membe announced that the United Front, a coalition bringing together the Socialist Party, the Patriotic Front, Tonse Alliance, UNIP, UKA, and other partners, would unveil its presidential candidate before the end of October.

In an interview, Lubinda said he was unaware of any such decision. “I’m afraid to say that I did not attend the last few meetings of the United Front, so I’m not aware of that decision,” he told journalists.

The PF acting president also dismissed questions linking South Africa-based businessman Willah Mudolo to a potential PF leadership bid. “I don’t know Mudolo. I have not spoken to him, he has not spoken to me, and it is not to me that he would register his interests,” he said.

Appearing earlier on Millennium Radio, Lubinda clarified that the party was not seeking permission from the Lungu family on succession matters but merely wanted to keep them informed out of respect.

“We are going to inform them that this is our plan. We are not going to consult as though we are seeking permission. The former first family remains part of the Patriotic Front’s history and must be informed of our course of action,” he said.

Lubinda acknowledged that the party remains shaken by two major events, the October 2023 takeover of the PF by rival factions, which he described as a “bloodless coup,” and the death of former President Lungu, which he said left the PF emotionally and structurally weakened. “We are not yet out of the woods. Those two calamities left deep scars, and the party has not fully recovered,” he said.

He noted that the PF remains in a prolonged mourning period as Lungu’s burial dispute continues to play out in South Africa.

“A funeral only ends when you bury. Before you bury, you are still in mourning,” Lubinda said, adding that party unity remains difficult while the late leader’s body is yet to be interred.

On broader opposition cooperation, Lubinda reaffirmed the need for solidarity ahead of the 2026 general election but warned that alliances take time to mature.

“The idea is that as we approach 2026, we must work in solidarity. It takes a lot of work for people to work together. We are different parties with different ideas and policies, but we must reduce our differences and grow our commonalities.”

He compared the process of uniting the opposition to courtship. “You do not just wake up and say, ‘we are together.’ Even in marriage, you start with courtship. That is when you learn each other’s weaknesses before you say, ‘now we can live together.’ These skirmishes we see are part of that process,” he said.

Lubinda said all opposition parties he has engaged with see value in unity but differ on methods and pace. “I have not heard any party say they are unwilling to unite. The difference lies in approach. Citizens must not expect it to happen overnight. What matters is that we all agree Zambia is better with a united opposition,” he said.

The comments come amid growing tension in the opposition bloc. The Tonse Alliance has splintered into rival camps led by Lubinda and Sean Tembo, while the United Front has struggled to define its leadership structure after Lungu’s death left a political vacuum.

Lubinda’s latest remarks suggest a cautious approach, prioritising internal party healing over quick political arrangements. Yet his emphasis on unity and dialogue indicates that despite the turbulence, efforts toward a consolidated opposition front continue behind the scenes.

As the 2026 election approaches, the question of who will lead the opposition coalition remains unanswered, but Lubinda’s tone reflects a broader truth in Zambian politics: alliances are easy to announce, but hard to sustain.

© The People’s Brief | Build-Up

NGOCC condemns Nkhoma’s proposal to raise presidential nomination fee to K5 million

THE Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has condemned the suggestion by economist Noel Nkhoma to increase the presidential nomination fee to K5 million.

On Wednesday, Nkhoma was quoted online urging the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to raise the amount for those wanting to run for president.

In a statement, NGOCC acting executive director Florence Lufunsa said the proposal is unfair and would block many ordinary people, especially women and persons with disabilities from taking part in elections.

Lufunsa stated that high nomination fees go against the spirit of equality and democracy and could even lead to corruption, as leaders may try to recover the money they spent once elected.

“To employ exclusionary policies as suggested by Mr Nkhoma is not only sad but retrogressive and aimed at disadvantaging these marginalized groups from participating as Presidential candidates,” she explained.

The organisation urged the ECZ to reject the proposal and ensure elections remain open to everyone.

“In addition, exorbitant nomination fees may compromise the integrity of leaders elected, as they will be prone to corruption and state capture. Therefore, we strongly urge the ECZ to ignore the call by Mr Nkhoma to increase the nomination fees to K5 million,” said Lufunsa.

“The proposal of this astronomical amount is absurd and designed to restrict the Presidency to only a few privileged individuals.We also take this opportunity to urge leaders not to use their strategic positions of influence to propagate elitist policies, including those that exclude the poor and vulnerable populations. Inclusion should always be the hallmark of our governance as a country.”

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, October 10, 2025

AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE CAN RUN FOR PRESIDENT, LAZ CLARIFIES

10th October 2025

LAW Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Lungisani Zulu has clarified that it is possible for one to stand as an independent presidential candidate. Recently, Chiengi Independent member of parliament Given Katuta expressed interest in running for the presidency in the 2026 elections as an independent candidate.

But her decision sparked debates as to whether that was possible, with State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka saying it was not possible for one to stand as an independent presidential candidate.

“The Honourable MP for Chiengi, Given Katuta, has declared her intention to contest for the Republican Presidency as an independent candidate. Shocking that an entire MP is not aware that there is no provision under the current Constitution for someone to…

News diggers

For the first time, Lawyers need Written Authority before they can see clients in Zambia Correctional Service facilities!

Wynter Kabimba SC Wrote:

On the morning of Tuesday, 07th October, 2025, I went to Chimbokaila prison to take instructions from my client,Callistus Kaoma, who was convicted by the Lusaka magistrate’s court on Monday,
06th October, 2025.

I arrived in front of the main front gate and announced my presence by clicking the metal ring for the attention of the guard on duty.

When he opened the pigeon-hole, I politely introduced myself to him and informed about my visit.

He told me to wait and slid the metal cover back in its place.

After 10 minutes, I went back and
repeated the ritual. He opened and peeped through the pigeonhole and told me again to wait.

This went on for at least 30 minutes as I stood under the morning blazing sun.

When he finally spoke to me the third time after another attempt, he asked me for a letter of introduction from my employer, W M Kabimba and Company.

I was stunned and I protested.

A young female prison officer in uniform who introduced herself as legal counsel intervened. She
informed me that the rules had changed and now lawyers needed to produce letters of introduction
from their law firms.

I asked why these new rules had not been communicated to LAZ to inform
all its members, but I got no satisfactory answer.

I told her that I was leaving to go and bring an
introductory letter which I would myself prepare and sign at the same time.

Finally, a senior officer emerged from inside, only to come and confirm the same but told me I
would be allowed as an exception for that day only.

For the sake of my client, I yielded and went
in. Inside the prison, there is no provision or space which allows for a lawyer-client privilege, a
common principle of law.
I brought this to the attention of the senior officer who insisted that the bench available, even with other people present was sufficient for the meeting with my client.

What I heard was astonishing to me.

Now here is my point Hon. Minister.

In the post 2015 elections, your (UPND) Lusaka Provincial
Chairman, Obvious Mwaliteta, was arrested and put in the same Chimbokaila prison for more than a year on a tramped-up charge of aggravated robbery, only for the state to enter a nolle prosequi.

later I went to the prison to pay him a visit, as a relative and someone I had worked with when he was deputy minister under president Micheal Sata.

On two occasions I was not allowed to see him
because, according to the prison officers, they were under strict instructions from the authorities not to allow any visitors for Mwaliteta.

I was more than convinced until Tuesday instant, that things had changed for the better under UPND, but I was deeply disappointed to realise that I was
actually wrong.

That, what you condemned as UPND while in the opposition as a vice and an
injustice to both the inmate/prisoner and his/her visitors was today something right.

That, while it has now become a general policy by the Economic and Financial Crimes Courts not to admit to bail those convicted, they must also together with their families and advocates suffer such injustice based on arbitrary rules of might is right.

Surely, we cannot continue to govern ourselves in this
manner.

I do not think that what I endured on Tuesday was an isolated case, it may be the general rule
which calls for your attention as minister.