President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed his position that Uganda lacks a viable political opposition, stating that rival parties do not command sufficient public support or present a credible alternative policy agenda.
In a statement issued after the country’s 2026 general election, Museveni said the deployment of biometric voter verification (BVV) machines significantly reduced electoral malpractice, which he claimed had previously benefited opposition groups.
“The death-knell to the opposition were the BVV machines,” Museveni said. “With the BVV machines, the opposition’s lifeline of cheating was gone.”
He acknowledged that technical challenges involving some operators may have created limited gaps in implementation but said further intelligence assessments would clarify the full scope of any irregularities.
Museveni, who leads the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), secured 71.65 percent of the vote, according to official results.
His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi — popularly known as Bobi Wine — received 24 percent.
The president pointed to the NRM’s grassroots structures and record in government as key factors behind its continued electoral dominance.
He cited party figures indicating that as of May 2025, the NRM had 21 million registered members, including 18.5 million eligible voters.
“If all the NRM turned up to vote, our vote would be 18.5 million and the opposition would remain with 2.5 million. This means 88 percent support for the NRM,” Museveni said, describing this as the current political balance in the country.
At the same time, he acknowledged that actual voter turnout has historically fallen below registration levels. He attributed this partly to internal party disputes, including allegations of irregularities during primary elections, which he said had discouraged some supporters and contributed to the emergence of independent candidates.
Museveni also accused elements within the opposition of intimidation and sporadic violence allegations opposition leaders have consistently denied. #SunFmTvNews
13-YEAR-OLD GIRL BEING GROOMED TO RULE NUCLEAR NATION
While Africa debates age limits for presidents in their 80s, North Korea is preparing a 13-year-old to lead a nuclear power.
Kim Ju Ae isn’t in high school. She’s inspecting troops, attending weapons tests, and sitting with military generals.
She first appeared in 2022 at age 10. Now she’s everywhere—using the title reserved only for Supreme Leaders.
South Korean intelligence confirms: Kim Jong Un is making his teenage daughter his successor.
No woman has ever ruled North Korea. The Kim dynasty has passed power father-to-son for 75 years. She would shatter that completely.
Why now? Kim Jong Un is reportedly in poor health. He’s securing the transition while he’s still alive—preventing the chaos that comes when dictators die unexpectedly.
THE CONTRAST IS STRIKING :
Africa fights over whether leaders should step down at 75 or 80. North Korea is installing a middle schooler.
One continent demands experience and maturity in leadership. One regime is betting everything on bloodline and loyalty.
She’s 13 years old and being positioned to control nuclear weapons.
The world is watching. And the lesson for Africa is clear: leadership isn’t about age—it’s about systems.When power depends on one person instead of strong institutions, anything becomes possible. Even this.
What does African leadership look like when a child can rule a nation?
MUNDUBILE MET TASILA – TONSE SPOKESPERSON … But I can neither deny nor confirm if there was any discussion about runningmate
Presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile’s Tonse faction spokesperson, Dr Lawrence Mwelwa, says his leader met with late former president Edgar Lungu’s daughter Tasila, but can neither confirm nor deny whether the running mate position was discussed as he was not part of the meeting.
Asked by Daily Revelation yesterday on information that there was a divergence in the Lungu family, where Mundubile was allegedly courting Tasila for running mate, but her stepmother, the former first lady Esther allegedly sympathised with the candidature of another, in the name of https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/mundubile-met-tasila-tonse-spokesperson-but-i-can-neither-confirm-nor-deny-if-the-running-mate-position-was-discussed/
MWIIMBU REFUTES CLAIMS OF ONGOING SECURITY RECRUITMENT
MINISTER of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, has refuted reports suggesting that government has already commenced the recruitment of security personnel across the country.
Mr. Mwiimbu was responding to a concern raised by Kantanshi Member of Parliament, Anthony Mumba, who sought clarification on the authenticity of a letter allegedly written by UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda, calling for recommendations on the recruitment of security personnel.
Speaking in the National Assembly yesterday, Mr. Mwiimbu explained that Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, had merely requested government to consider recruiting more security personnel ahead of the August elections.
He, however, emphasized that government has not yet granted approval for any recruitment exercise.
The Minister further stated that, as is standard procedure, government publicly advertises all recruitment processes.
“There is no programme currently underway to recruit security personnel,” said Mr. Mwiimbu.
He assured the nation that Zambians will be formally informed once government decides to commence the recruitment of security personnel.
Antonio Mourinho Mwanza : A Smart Opposition Leader Who Says Politics Must Go Beyond Removing HH.
By Wiseman Henry Zulu
Antonio Mwanza has warned that Zambia’s opposition is failing the people. Alliances formed just to remove President Hakainde Hichilema, he says, offer no real solutions. The opposition must deliver ideas, not just attacks.
“When I resigned from the PF, I made it clear — the party had no future in Zambia in its old form,” Mwanza told journalists. “We had to rethink, rebrand, and rebuild. Politics in Zambia cannot succeed on slogans alone; it must deliver solutions for Zambians.”
Mwanza knows Zambia’s politics inside out. He served as Media Director during the PF administration, worked at the PF secretariat, he served as a young political strategist in the Forum for Democracy and Development, of the late Edith Nawajwe and later engaged with the Socialist Party.
Combined with a Masters Degree in political science , he brings both practical and academic insight into governance and leadership in Zambia.
He is clear — Zambia’s opposition has two duties: hold government accountable and offer credible alternatives. Without this, democracy in Zambia loses meaning.
In Zambia, the opposition is not the enemy. It is a watchdog, a source of new ideas, and a potential future government. President Hichilema has created space for this by respecting the rule of law, political freedom, and accountability while pushing reforms, stabilising the economy, and building national development.
Yet the opposition has largely failed. Instead of offering solutions on jobs, cost of living, or economic recovery, they focus on attacking each other. Alliances built only to remove Hichilema are empty. They are driven by ego, not ideas, and they fail Zambia.
Mwanza warns that a divided opposition cannot inspire confidence. If leaders cannot unite on Zambia’s priorities while out of power, how can citizens trust them to govern? Press briefings often become platforms for insults rather than solutions, leaving Zambians frustrated.
His call is for unity based on a clear economic agenda, not personalities. Leadership in Zambia is about preparation, ideas, and results — not ambition or slogans. Modern politics demands clarity, strong institutions, and issue-based leadership. Personality-driven conflicts no longer inspire trust.
Zambia’s democracy depends on both a capable government and a capable opposition. A responsible opposition strengthens governance, keeps leaders accountable, and prepares itself to lead.
Zambians deserve an opposition that offers direction, unity, and real solutions. Mwanza’s warning is clear: politics must rise above slogans and removal agendas. It must compete on ideas and deliver results.
Under President Hakainde Hichilema, respect for Zambia’s democracy continues to guide governance, fuel economic recovery, and shape long-term national development.
ENDS/12/02/2026 WISEMAN HENRY ZULU UPND Media/Presidential Support System
PF DAVIS MWILA’S WARNING: A Political Mind That Knows The (PF) Patriotic Front Is Finished.
By Wiseman Henry Zulu
Former Secretary General Davies Mwila has delivered a blunt message many within his party refuse to accept — those who broke the law cannot be freed through political power.
Speaking in Kitwe, Mwila made it clear: The release of jailed individuals is determined by courts, not elections. Justice follows legal process, not political influence. Electoral victory cannot erase criminal liability.
It is a message of political realism — and an admission of limits.
Mwila understands what others in the party ignore. Power lost through public rejection cannot be recovered through slogans or pressure. That rejection was decisive in 2021, when Hakainde Hichilema defeated Edgar Lungu in a landslide, removing PF from government through an overwhelming national mandate.
Having served as Secretary General, Mwila knows the party from the inside. He knows its structural collapse. He knows its loss of public trust. He knows it has completely lost direction.
His current stance also reflects his past warnings. Ahead of the 2021 elections, Mwila cautioned ministers to work hard or risk losing power — warning that defeat would expose them to jail over corruption committed while in office.
The statement revealed an insider’s awareness of the extent of questionable deals and the abandonment of national duty by some in leadership. His message today carries the weight of someone who understood the system and now recognises its consequences.
Yet this clarity appears lost within the party’s factional politics, particularly among those aligned with **Given Lubinda**. While Mwila speaks of discipline and organisation, the party’s leadership appears trapped in internal battles, denial, and political nostalgia.
He calls for strategy. They project confusion.
More critically, his message offers no credible path to the 2026 elections. A party that believes political victory should secure the release of jailed members signals desperation, not renewal. It reflects a movement without vision or national appeal.
The deeper crisis lies in the party’s record in government, widely associated with patronage networks, weakened institutions, and shrinking accountability. The governing system increasingly appeared to protect its own interests while citizens endured economic hardship.
Today, that crisis continues in opposition. Structural collapse, leadership fragmentation, and loss of credibility define the party’s reality.
Mwila’s intervention reads less as a call for revival and more as recognition of the inevitable — that the party’s political life has run its course.
As Zambia moves toward the 2026 general elections, the conclusion is stark: PF is no longer a viable national alternative. It is a movement searching for relevance after losing its purpose. ….. ENDS/13/02/2026 WISEMAN HENRY ZULU Director – Digital Media UPND Media/Presidential Support System
The Lungu Family Has Not Rejected a State Funeral—They Are Asking for Respect
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
It has been observed that the UPND government and some of its sympathisers are promoting a narrative suggesting that the Lungu family has rejected the Government’s offer to accord former Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu a state funeral. This narrative is misleading and unfair. It is therefore necessary to place the facts in their proper perspective.
The Lungu family has not refused the Government’s offer to grant former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu a state funeral.
What the family has consistently and respectfully requested is one simple and reasonable thing: that the final wishes of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu be honoured. According to the family, those wishes were clear. He did not want President Hakainde Hichilema to preside over his funeral, nor did he want him to be anywhere near his remains.
This request does not negate or diminish the status of a state funeral.
For those who argue that President Hakainde Hichilema must be present because it is a state funeral, it is important to clarify an essential point. The presence of the sitting President is not what defines a state funeral. A state funeral is characterised by the honour, protocol, logistical support, security arrangements, and resources provided by the State, not by the physical presence of the Head of State.
President Hakainde Hichilema can, without difficulty or loss of dignity, delegate another senior government official or representative to preside over the funeral. Such delegation is lawful, customary, and widely practiced, particularly in circumstances where the direct involvement of the President is neither desired nor welcomed by the family of the deceased.
Insisting on personal presence in the face of explicit objection does not serve the national interest. It does not honour the deceased, nor does it reflect compassion, restraint, or statesmanship. Instead, it prolongs the family’s grief and deepens unnecessary national tension.
The issue is not complicated.
The family is not rejecting a state funeral.They are asking that the wishes of the deceased be respected.
President Hakainde Hichilema can simply assign another suitable representative to preside over the funeral and allow the family to bury their loved one in dignity and peace.
In light of the foregoing, I respectfully and earnestly call upon President Hakainde Hichilema to demonstrate compassion and statesmanship by respecting the wishes of the Lungu family, withdrawing the legal action that continues to delay the burial, and allowing the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to be laid to rest with dignity and peace.
Such an approach would not weaken the authority of the presidency or diminish the honour of a state funeral. On the contrary, it would affirm Zambia’s commitment to human dignity, cultural respect, and humane leadership. It would bring closure to a grieving family and allow the nation to move forward from a moment that has caused avoidable pain and division.
The path forward is clear, reasonable, and honourable. Respect the wishes of the deceased.
Allow the family to grieve. Let Edgar Chagwa Lungu rest in peace.
To all inmates and former inmates, it’s essential to note that not everyone harbors negative sentiments towards you. I chose to use the inmate attire because some righteous want to use it to scare us. I am a proud mukobeko boy product.
Maintain your dignity and recall that incarceration can serve as a catalyst for introspection and personal growth. There’s no need to be ashamed of your status as a former inmate; after all, one might wonder if others have been patients in hospitals.
To the over 23,000 inmates and more than 300,000 family members, remain vigilant regarding public discourse about our associates. The law appears to criminalize debt for some, but justice prevails for the righteous, and this saga continues.
We urge those inmates and ex inmates and family members of inmates across the country to stand strong.
Ba Makululu mulishani, Ba Bwacha mulishani not forgetting Ba Central mulishani. Warm regards from US. Iam STANDING
MUUNDA ANNOUNCES KANTENGA’S EXPULSION FROM UPND, BLAMES HIM FOR CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION LOSS Chawama UPND aspiring Member of Parliament Morgan Muunda has declared that his fellow party aspirant, Timothy Kantenga, is no longer a member of the ruling party, accusing him of contributing to the party’s loss in the recent by-election.
Kantenga was initially the party’s preferred candidate in the by-election that was eventually won by Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) candidate Bright Nundwe, defeating Muunda.
Although Muunda does not hold the authority to expel a fellow party member, he has accused Kantenga and some senior party officials who supported his campaign of failing to conduct credible campaigns. Muunda alleges that Kantenga instead decampaigned him in John Howard area, claiming he bribed voters and distributed materials, including a cow, to undermine his candidature.
Muunda further alleged that alliance partner leaders who intended to offer campaign support in John Howard, among them Charles Milupi were prevented from campaigning in the area by Kantenga.
In a voice note addressed to Kantenga, Muunda stated that he would do whatever it takes to ensure he becomes the sole UPND candidate in Chawama in the August 13, 2026 general election. He further claimed that Kantenga would never be a Member of Parliament because he (Muunda) is the more experienced candidate whom the party wants.
Muunda also accused Kantenga of dishonesty, alleging that he sought adoption despite allegedly not possessing a voter’s card, with the intention of being disqualified at nomination stage. He claimed this was a calculated move meant to ensure the ruling party would not appear on the ballot, thereby giving the opposition an easier path to victory.
He added that he has resolved to position himself in advance as the party’s preferred candidate for the August 13, 2026 election.
Reshona Landfair, who was 14 years old when a video leaked showing singer R. Kelly urinating on her, has finally revealed her identity and is sharing her story publicly for the first time. She testified anonymously in R. Kelly’s 2022 trial, but is now opening up about years of abuse by the singer and the long journey to reclaim her life.
Landfair, now 41, has detailed her experiences in her new memoir Who’s Watching Shorty?: Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse, where she confirms that she was the 14-year-old girl in a 2001 sex tape that brought Kelly his first legal trouble, a case that shocked the country.
Landfair grew up in a musical family in Chicago with dreams of performing. Her aunt, R&B singer Sparkle, introduced her to Kelly, who became her godfather. Landfair says the relationship quickly turned exploitative, with Kelly grooming her from around age 13. Authorities reportedly dismissed early concerns, allowing the abuse to continue.
According to Rolling Out, just before turning 17, Landfair says she learned the tape filmed at 14 was being sold nationwide. She recalls feeling confused and powerless as Kelly manipulated her and her family, even claiming he was in love with her. In 2008, Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges. Landfair later expressed regret for lying to protect herself, which allowed him to avoid accountability.
The 2019 Surviving R. Kelly docuseries prompted Landfair to confront the truth. Seeing other survivors speak out sparked a sense of responsibility for her earlier silence. She testified in the 2022 Chicago trial, helping secure Kelly’s conviction on multiple counts.
Sparkle denies any role in enabling abuse but supports Landfair’s healing. Kelly’s legal team declined to comment on the memoir. Today, Landfair focuses on her 5-year-old son and mentors girls and women through her organization Project Refine, transforming her trauma into purpose.
Lucy Harrison, who is from Cheshire in England, traveled to Texas to visit her father but was shot and killed during a heated family argument about Donald Trump. The 23-year-old tragically died at her father’s home in Prosper, near Dallas, on January 10, 2025.
Harrison, who worked as a buyer for Boohoo, had been staying with her father, Kris Harrison, and her boyfriend, Sam Littler. The visit ended in tragedy when her father shot her with a 9mm Glock kept in his bedroom, according to Rolling Out.
The inquest in England revealed that tensions had built up earlier that day. Lucy and her father argued about then-President-elect Donald Trump. The discussion became more upsetting when Lucy asked how he would feel if she were a victim of sexual assault, and he replied coldly, saying he had two other daughters. This left Lucy visibly upset, and she ran upstairs.
Later that afternoon, about half an hour before Lucy and Sam were due to leave for the airport, the fatal shooting occurred. Lucy was in the kitchen when her father led her into his bedroom, showing her the gun. Fifteen seconds later, Sam heard a loud bang. He found Lucy on the floor while her father screamed, seemingly in shock.
The inquest also revealed that Kris Harrison had been drinking that day, consuming roughly half a liter of white wine. CCTV footage confirmed he had bought the alcohol shortly before the incident. Harrison claimed he didn’t know the gun would fire and couldn’t remember if his finger was on the trigger.
Texas authorities investigated the death, but a grand jury in Collin County declined to charge him, meaning no criminal case followed. Lucy’s mother described her as full of life and deeply passionate about her beliefs. The inquest is ongoing, with the coroner expected to deliver final conclusions.
TOP LOSING OPPOSITION PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TO BECOME ‘LEADER OF OPPOSITION’ IN PARLIAMENT
To promote inclusivity in national governance, GPZ RESET VISION proposes to the Zambian people that;
1. The top losing Presidential Candidates during a general election (meets threshold),should be constitutionally recognized as Members of Parliament, (MP’s).
2. The top loosing Opposition Presidential Candidate from a general election assumes the role of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament.
3. This reset vision aims to ensure that strong, diverse voices are represented in Parliament, fostering a more inclusive political landscape.
4. By integrating these candidates into our legislative process, we can lower the current political tension and temperature of our country.
5. It is essential to recognize that opposition leaders should not be viewed as enemies but as partners in development and good governance.
6. This reset will strengthen our democracy and promote collaboration for the benefit of all citizens. Zambia!!! Reset!!! Jackson Silavwe, I Approve This Reset Vision. 12|02|2026
Legal Experts Slam ZANU PF’s Plans To Extend Presidential, Parliamentary Terms
Constitutional law experts have criticised ZANU-PF’s proposed constitutional amendments to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, a move that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill, tabled before Cabinet on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, also proposes that the president be elected by Parliament rather than through a direct popular vote, fundamentally altering Zimbabwe’s democratic process.
Mnangagwa, 83, is currently scheduled to step down in 2028, having served two five-year terms. He assumed power following a military takeover that ended Robert Mugabe’s long tenure in 2017.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional law expert and lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, said:
“The proposed constitutional amendments for [ 2030] are totally unacceptable! The movers of these proposals have no respect for the people.
“The NCA party and I will be counted among those who will be at the forefront of mobilising for the total rejection of these proposals.”
Madhuku is also the leader of the opposition political party, the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA).
Advocate Thabani Mpofu argued that ZANU PF is not merely seeking to amend the Constitution but is attempting to introduce an entirely new one without public participation or a referendum—a step to which it clearly has no entitlement.
He added that a constitution is enacted by the people as a whole, not by a single political party or faction, stressing that Parliament’s law‑making power is limited to legislating for the peace, order, and good governance of the country. Said Mpofu:
“Replacing the constitution exceeds that mandate and undermines this constitutional principle.
“ZANU PF is governing on a contested mandate following the disputed 2023 elections. Even then, it failed to garner a two-thirds majority.
“It therefore lacks the legitimate popular authority to impose a new constitution unilaterally.
“In fact, the minister under whose hand this affront is being engineered lost his party’s internal elections.
“He has no moral authority to talk about the will of the people, let alone constitutionally legislate in its purported defence.
“Fundamental constitutional change requires broad, inclusive national consensus.
“Attempting to substitute a constitution through partisan processes would violate the principles of legitimacy and popular sovereignty.
“ZANU PF is not even acting on the authority of its highest decision-making body, the Congress. Conference is not Congress.”
Constitutional lawyer, law lecturer, and former Member of Parliament, Fadzayi Mahere, said:
“They’ve destroyed our lives. Now they want to destroy the Constitution. Every citizen must be disgusted and alarmed by this abuse of power that will mark the final nail in the coffin of Zimbabwe’s democracy. It’s a shame.”
United Kingdom‑based Zimbabwean lawyer Brighton Mutebuka warned that the proposed constitutional amendments would enable Mnangagwa to entrench a political dynasty. He said:
“ED edges closer to establishing a modern-day Munhumutapa Empire as Chiwenga & Chamisa teeter on the brink of political irrelevancy via the one fell swoop that the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill is!”
Public institutions exist to serve citizens not to frustrate them. Yet for many Zambians, the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) has become a symbol of bureaucracy, inefficiency, and unnecessary hardship.
It is time to say it in plain language, the Zambia Qualifications Authority Act must be repealed or seriously amended.
ZAQA’s core business and justification is qualification verification. But why is so much emphasis placed on verifying qualifications obtained within Zambia qualifications that are already easily traceable through local institutions?
The real risk is with foreign qualifications. That is where scrutiny is justified and necessary. I think that should be the special focus for the institution.
Citizens who studied in Zambia are subjected to redundant processes, delays, and fees for credentials that can be confirmed directly with local institutions without a lengthy process. I feel this is not regulation, It is duplication.
Even more troubling is the operational reality. The system is unstable. The website is unreliable. Payment inconsistencies are alarming, just the other day I was trying to get a diploma verified for someone the normal cost is supposed to be K200 but the system generated an invoice of K800.
Calls go unanswered. Their Customer service is non-existent, it’s pathetic! airtel is even better. We as their clients are left confused, stranded, and powerless. This is unacceptable for a statutory body entrusted with such an important function. We need to seriously hold them accountable.
Verification and validation processes take forever! In today’s competitive job market, delays of weeks or even days can mean the difference between employment and unemployment.
Zambians have missed job opportunities because their documents were stuck in procedural limbo. This is not a minor inconvenience. It is economic sabotage through inefficiency.
When a public institution becomes an obstacle to citizens’ progress, reform is no longer optional, it is urgent. We must have this conversation and act.
Please find time to visit the ZAQA Facebook page and see the frustrations from their clients. No one sings hosanna for them, everyone is calling for their crucifixion.
ZAQA exists because Parliament made it law. Parliament therefore has the authority and the responsibility to revisit it. The Zambia Qualifications Authority Act must be, repealed and replaced with a more focused framework. It must be amended to drastically reform its mandate, processes, and accountability standards.
This matter must be tabled in the National Assembly before the 2026 General elections, it’s as urgent matter as Bill 7.
Let’s not be hopeless, let’s not fold our hands, we can do something. We must lobby our Members of Parliament to raise a motion and debate the matter.
Civil society organizations must also step forward. This is an issue of governance, economic justice, and administrative accountability. Proper public consultation must take place. The voices of affected graduates, job seekers, and professionals must be heard.
This is bigger than one institution. It is about how Zambia structures its regulatory bodies, whether they empower citizens or entangle them in unreasonable bureaucracies.
No law is beyond review. No institution is beyond reform. If ZAQA cannot operate efficiently, transparently, and in the interest of citizens, then the law that sustains it must change. It simply means it’s a bad law.
Brethren, the time for polite frustration is long gone. We need to act now.
NAMULAMBE IS NOT FROM MPONGWE SAYS CHIEFTAINESS LESA AS SHE WARNS HIM OVER KALUKWISO LAND WRANGLES
CHIEFTAINESS Lesa of the Lamba Lima people speaking in Mpongwe District has warned former Mpongwe Member of Parliament Gabriel Namulambe against speaking on issues that does not concern him.
In a telephone interview with Radio Mpongwe, Chieftainess Lesa expressed disappointed on the views made by Namulambe during the live breakfast show on Radio Mpongwe, regarding the issue involving Mpongwe Farms Limited.
Speaking during a live breakfast programme, Namulambe said all those advising leaders regarding the Kalukwiso (Mpongwe Farms) issue should endeavour to tell them the truth.
He said the squatters in Kalukwiso should give the government ample time to resolve the issue with Clayton Johnes, owner of Mpongwe Farms Limited
He said currently, the available documents show that Johnes is the legal owner of the said property and until the matter is disposed of by the court, the people of Kalukwiso must avoid taking the law into their own hands..
He said it was wrong for the squatters to burn a vehicle belonging to the farm manager, regardless of the grievances they have with Johnes.
He reminded the squatters that President Hakainde Hichilema has stated that those found breaking the law are on their own, regardless of the party they belong to. He explained that the proposal offered by Mpongwe Farms to give 39,000 hectares out of the 66,000 hectares of the farm to the squatters is a fair deal, considering the fact that Johnes has legal ownership of the land.
However, the Chieftainess said Namulambe does not originate from Mpongwe and hence is not qualified to speak on behalf of the people of Mpongwe.
“Tabalipo bakukuno balya. Aikona ati nalukulabila pafyapanga iyo tabeshipo,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chieftainess Lesa’s Palace Secretary, Emmanuel Chisopa, justified calls to repossess the land from Clayton, saying the farm has remained undeveloped since Clayton bought it.
He said Kalukwiso is the food basket of the district and hence must be given to the locals who are already utilising it.
“If you talk about a bumper harvest here in Mpongwe, where does it come from? Of course, from Kalukwiso. This is why we are fighting to get this land, of course using legal means,” he said.
Last week, two police officers were seriously injured following a riot in Kalukwiso.
The riot was sparked by villagers who attacked two police officers after word went round that the police had arrested and assaulted one of their colleagues accused of destroying building materials belonging to Johnes on the farm
ACC REACTS TO CPI REPORT, WARNS AGAINST RELYING ON PERCEPTIONS
THE Anti-Corruption Commission has acknowledged Zambia’s decline in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International Zambia on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Zambia’s score dropped by two points, from 39 out of 100 in 2024 to 37 in 2025.
However, the Commission says this setback should be viewed in context, noting that the country recorded a four-point improvement in 2023 and a further two-point increase in 2024.
ACC Head of Corporate Communications Chilufya Chisanga says while the Commission recognises the decline, it is important to stress that the CPI measures perceptions of public sector corruption, not actual cases.
She explains that the index is largely based on opinions about governance risks and vulnerabilities.
According to the report, Zambia was assessed mainly on perceived risks of abuse of office, including fears that public funds could be diverted through business interests and political allies ahead of the 2026 General Election.
TIZ further suggests that the absence of legislation regulating political party financing heightens concerns that public resources could be used to fund campaigns.
But Ms. Chisanga emphasises that these are perceived risks, not confirmed incidents, adding that the ACC stands ready to act decisively against any abuse of public resources and ensure offenders are held accountable.
The Commission has also expressed concern over TIZ’s heavy reliance on the Financial Intelligence Centre Trends Report, saying while it provides valuable intelligence, it does not amount to conclusive evidence of corruption and must first be subjected to thorough investigations.
Despite respecting the CPI report and its role in public discourse, the ACC says perception-based assessments alone do not reflect the significant progress made in the fight against corruption over the past five years.
VETERAN politician and former Cabinet Minister in the UNIP Government, Matiya Ngalande, has died at the age of 93.
Mr. Ngalande passed away in Lusaka yesterday after an illness.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa announced that President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded Mr. Ngalande an official funeral in recognition of his numerous and selfless contributions to the nation.
Mr. Ngalande served as Minister of State for Luapula Province in 1968 and was later appointed Cabinet Minister for Northern Province in 1975. He also served as Deputy Minister in the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Government between 1991 and 1996 in the Office of the Vice President, as well as in the Ministries of Community Development and Social Welfare, and Communications and Transport.
Mr. Kangwa said funeral gatherings are being held at the late statesman’s residence, House Number 7, Pendela Road, off Kasangula Road in Roma Township, Lusaka.
He added that Mr. Ngalande will be put to rest on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Leopard Hill Memorial Park. The burial ceremony will be preceded by an official funeral church service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross at 10:00 hours.
President Hichilema has declared Monday, February 16, 2026, a day of National Mourning to be observed from 06:00 to 18:00 hours in honour of the late former Cabinet Minister. During this period, all entertainment programmes will be postponed and flags will fly at half‑mast.
ACC REACTS TO CPI REPORT, WARNS AGAINST RELYING ON PERCEPTIONS
THE Anti-Corruption Commission has acknowledged Zambia’s decline in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International Zambia on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Zambia’s score dropped by two points, from 39 out of 100 in 2024 to 37 in 2025.
However, the Commission says this setback should be viewed in context, noting that the country recorded a four-point improvement in 2023 and a further two-point increase in 2024.
ACC Head of Corporate Communications Chilufya Chisanga says while the Commission recognises the decline, it is important to stress that the CPI measures perceptions of public sector corruption, not actual cases.
She explains that the index is largely based on opinions about governance risks and vulnerabilities.
According to the report, Zambia was assessed mainly on perceived risks of abuse of office, including fears that public funds could be diverted through business interests and political allies ahead of the 2026 General Election.
TIZ further suggests that the absence of legislation regulating political party financing heightens concerns that public resources could be used to fund campaigns.
But Ms. Chisanga emphasises that these are perceived risks, not confirmed incidents, adding that the ACC stands ready to act decisively against any abuse of public resources and ensure offenders are held accountable.
The Commission has also expressed concern over TIZ’s heavy reliance on the Financial Intelligence Centre Trends Report, saying while it provides valuable intelligence, it does not amount to conclusive evidence of corruption and must first be subjected to thorough investigations.
Despite respecting the CPI report and its role in public discourse, the ACC says perception-based assessments alone do not reflect the significant progress made in the fight against corruption over the past five years.
MINING REVENUES HIT US$7 BILLION …as Copper boom raises benefit questions for Zambia
A debate has emerged over how much the country truly benefits from its copper wealth after Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Antonio Mourinho Mwanza questioned the distribution of revenue generated from the sector in 2024.
In a statement, Mwanza noted that Zambia produced more than 820,000 tonnes of copper last year, which, based on average trading prices on the London Metal Exchange, translated into an estimated export value of about US$7 billion.
However, he argued that the bulk of earnings accrued to mining firms rather than the State and ordinary citizens.
According to him, major operators such as Konkola Copper Mines, First Quantum Minerals and Mopani Copper Mines accounted for the largest share of returns from copper production.
Mwanza stated that while government revenue is derived from mineral royalties, corporate taxes, Pay-As-You-Earn contributions and dividends through ZCCM Investments Holdings, this amounted to only a fraction of the total export value.
He emphasized uncertainty surrounding production transparency, saying, “we don’t know with absolute certainty the exact amount of copper being produced and exported every day.”
The opposition leader maintained that the country must rethink its mining strategy if copper is to drive meaningful development, stating, “producing copper is not the real achievement.”
He added that the real measure of success lay in ensuring citizens benefitted, saying, “the real achievement is ensuring that copper wealth stays in Zambia and improves the lives of Zambians.”
Mwanza further argued that exporting raw copper deprived the country of employment and industrial growth opportunities, urging authorities to encourage local processing industries.
In his words, “stop the exportation of raw copper and set up processing and manufacturing industries right here in Zambia.”
He also called for reforms in mining taxation, strengthening of monitoring systems to curb tax leakages, and enhanced state participation in mining investments to secure greater national benefit.
The DPP leader further noted that mining operations consume large amounts of electricity supplied by the national utility, Zesco, placing pressure on domestic consumers and small industries.
Meanwhile, Mwanza urged policymakers and citizens to focus on outcomes rather than production figures alone, asking, “how much do we truly benefit?”
If you can’t finish national projects during your term, you are incompetent – Madhuku slams Mnangagwa’s 2030 extension bid
Constitutional lawyer and opposition leader Lovemore Madhuku has dismissed arguments that President Emmerson Mnangagwa requires more time in office to complete national projects, describing the reasoning as constitutionally unsound and politically disingenuous.
Madhuku made the remarks during an interview with local online television platform, Citizens Voice Network, as debate intensifies following Cabinet’s approval of the Constitutional Amendment Bill on Tuesday at a meeting chaired by Mnangagwa.
The amendment seeks to extend the tenures of both the President and Parliament by seven years from the current five. This is despite Mnangagwa’s repeated public assurances that he would step down at the end of his constitutionally mandated second term in 2028.
The development has reignited tensions within the ruling Zanu PF party, where succession politics have already created fissures.
Madhuku, who leads the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), offered a blunt assessment of the justification being advanced by supporters of the Bill.
“It’s complete nonsense to say that a President has anything called a project,” Madhuku said.
“There is nothing like that. Presidents come into office to govern for the period that they are given. Whatever they want to do, they do it within that given period. If there is anything that remains unfinished, it is not for them to say, ‘I want to finish.’ There will be an election. The next President will decide whether they want to continue with that or not.”
“No one has shown that what is being done is so important that it must continue to be done by the same person. Let’s say you are building a road, your term can simply come to an end and whoever comes in would continue to build that road. These are projects for the country. They are not projects for the President,” he added.
Madhuku argued that term limits are not incidental but are central to promoting accountability and efficiency in governance.
“The argument politically would apply in any country because whoever is in office anywhere in the world will bring certain things. The issue of a term limit is to deal with and promote governance.
“If you are in office and you know you are elected for four years, you must do your things within four years. If you are elected for five years, do your things within five years. If you cannot do your things within five years, that is a sign of incompetence.”
To illustrate his point, Madhuku used a vivid analogy, likening the proposal to a student seeking more time in an examination after failing to complete the paper within the allotted time.
“It’s like a student who is in an exam and they are told that this exam is three hours, and then they say, ‘No, I want to write for five hours because I have not been able to finish.’ In an exam, they have failed.”
Madhuku is no stranger to constitutional battles. He rose to national prominence in 2000 when he led the National Constitutional Assembly alongside the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), then led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai, in campaigning against a proposed constitution advanced by Zanu PF under its late leader Robert Mugabe.
Critics at the time argued that the 2000 draft constitution was designed to entrench one-party rule through sweeping executive powers. It was overwhelmingly rejected in a national referendum.
Zimbabwe now finds itself once again debating the limits of executive authority and the sanctity of constitutional provisions.
Within Zanu PF, the current Bill is widely viewed through the prism of succession politics. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, widely considered as likely to take over from Mnangagwa, is reportedly among those unsettled by the proposed changes. – NewZimbabwe
We support the intent and motivation of the Constitutional Amendment Bill – Tshabangu-led CCC MPs back Mnangagwa’s term extension plan
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators, led by self-imposed Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu, have thrown their weight behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, brushing aside concerns that the move undermines Zimbabwe’s democratic foundations.
The Bill, approved by Cabinet earlier this week, seeks far-reaching changes to Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution, including extending the term of Parliament and the president to seven years and overhauling the management of elections. It further proposes abolishing the popular vote for President, transferring that power to Parliament.
At an urgent Parliamentary Caucus meeting held Thursday at the Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, 63 out of 70 CCC legislators resolved to support the Bill “in principle.” Seven MPs were absent.
CCC Chief Whip Charles Moyo defended the position, saying the proposals could help foster national consensus and long-term stability.
“While we await the full and final text of the Bill, in principle, we support the spirit, intent and motivation of the Bill.
“The Bill correctly captures changes which are necessary for the building of national consensus amongst our people, healing divisions of the past, and establishing a basis for permanent political, invariably, economic stability for our country,” said Moyo.
Moyo also argued that “citizens alone are the makers of history and nothing can be done, said or implemented without their full and informed consent.”
Constitutional law experts and rights defenders say the amendments are a consolidation of executive power rather than reform.
For years, opposition parties, including the CCC, have accused Zanu PF of electoral manipulation and weakening democratic institutions.
Yet CCC MPs now insiststhe reforms could address legitimacy concerns in Zimbabwe’s electoral framework.
Added Moyo, “The reforms, at least in part, address institutional and legitimacy issues which have perennially affected our electoral democracy.
“This political transitional process ought to be buttressed by the constitution of a government of national consensus.
“Deliberate effort should be made to include all sectors of society, from the church, youth, business and women’s organisations. Further, this government will and should have the historical mandate to unite our people, building a spirit of nationhood and belonging.”
The caucus resolved that CCC MPs, Senators and councillors must convene ward-level meetings nationwide to explain the Bill and submit reports to the Tshabangu by March 1
“No amount of negativity from our erstwhile nemesis can stop the People’s Parliamentary representatives from diligently exercising their mandate,” Moyo said. – NewZimbabwe
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, currently playing for Villarreal in the Spanish La Liga, is facing some charges in court, suggesting he has sexually assaulted someone.
Reports indicate that this unfortunate incident happened during his spell in the English Premier League while playing for Arsenal.
He has denied these allegations at the Westminster Magistrate Court on August 5, 2025, and was granted conditional bail.
The player was asked if he understood the charges against him, and he replied yes, but not guilty.
The conditions were that the footballer is not supposed to contact any of the 3 women involved in this case, and notify the Police about any change of residence address and all international travels.
After the the sitting, Partey’s case was transferred to Old Bailey Crown Court on September 2, 20225.
On February 12, 2026, Telegraph Football, one of the UK’s leading football media outlets, disclosed that the midfielder is facing two new rape cases.
Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, has been charged with two new counts of rape. pic.twitter.com/GycZ2bcZGz
Switzerland is set to vote on a proposal that would cap the country’s population at 10 million, in what is seen as another push by anti-immigration campaigners to tighten migration controls.
The proposal was put forward by the Swiss People’s Party, the largest party in parliament, after gathering enough signatures to force a nationwide referendum scheduled for June 14, according to government officials.
Data from Switzerland’s federal statistics office shows the country had about 9.1 million residents by the end of the third quarter of 2025. In recent years, roughly 30 percent of the population has been made up of people born abroad, with many migrants arriving from European Union countries and some later gaining Swiss citizenship.
If approved, the proposal would introduce legal limits preventing Switzerland’s permanent resident population, including citizens and foreign residents, from exceeding 10 million before 2050.
The initiative also suggests that if the population reaches 9.5 million before that deadline, the government would begin implementing measures to slow growth. These could include tightening asylum rules, restricting family reunification, limiting residence permits and renegotiating international agreements.
Supporters argue that controlling population growth is necessary to protect Switzerland’s environment, natural resources, infrastructure and social welfare system from excessive pressure.
The referendum reflects Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, where citizens regularly vote on national policy decisions several times each year.
However, critics from across the political spectrum warn that the proposal simplifies a complex issue and could harm the country’s economic and diplomatic ties. They point out that Switzerland relies heavily on foreign workers in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, construction and education.
Opponents also argue that stricter migration limits could conflict with Switzerland’s international agreements, particularly its participation in the Schengen Area, which allows visa-free travel across 29 European countries and facilitates the movement of hundreds of millions of people.
A mother in Ohio is accused of injecting feces into her child’s IV at the hospital, according to authorities.
According to the criminal complaint, hospital staff saw Tiffany Le Sueur, 35, injecting a “foreign substance” into her child’s IV line on Feb. 6, 2026.
Then, on Feb. 8, staff again saw Le Sueur injecting what they believed to be human waste into the child’s IV.
That’s when they called police.
Hospital staff told officers that they looked at surveillance video of her child’s room that allegedly showed Le Sueur go into the bathroom with a cup. She then put what appeared to be fecal matter into the syringe and injected it into the IV line on the child’s left hand.
Le Sueur was charged with child endangerment.
She appeared in court Tuesday, Feb. 10, and was ordered not to have unsupervised contact with minors as part of her bail conditions.
French police have arrested a woman in her 50s after two newborn babies were discovered d3ad inside a freezer at a home in the eastern town of Aillevillers-et-Lyaumont, France.
The shocking discovery happened after a man alerted authorities when he found the body of a newborn in his freezer on Tuesday. When police arrived at the house, they reportedly uncovered the body of a second infant.
Suspicion quickly turned to the children’s mother, who had allegedly left the home without warning before she was later tracked down and arrested in Boulogne-Billancourt.
Sources say the woman is believed to be a mother of nine children from two different relationships
The mayor of the small community, Jean-Claude Tramesel, said residents are in shock over the incident, describing the family as quiet people who had lived in the area for about two decades.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
RAMAPHOSA ANNOUNCES DEPLOYMENT OF ARMY TO TACKLE CRIME
IN a bid to lower high rates of gang violence and other crime, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced he will deploy the army to work with the police.
For Ramaphosa, the situation has reached a desperate level of urgency.
On Thursday, he said “organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development. Our primary focus this year is on stepping up the fight against organised crime and criminal syndicates.”
Ramaphosa added, ”we cannot fight organised criminals by treading softly. We must act with zero tolerance and bring the full force of the law to bear. I would like this message to be clear, there will be no impunity for acts of crimiality and corruption.”
Other initiatives to tackle crime included recruiting some 5,500 new police officers.
The country has a staggering murder rate of around 60 deaths per day.
That includes deaths in wars between drug gangs, and mass shootings related to illegal mining.
A former top White House lawyer in the Obama administration abruptly resigned Thursday night from Goldman Sachs following the Justice Department’s explosive release of documents revealing she maintained an extensive relationship with accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
For years, Kathryn Ruemmler and Goldman representatives insisted the relationship was strictly business. But newly released emails, text messages and photographs painted a starkly different picture, showing Ruemmler accepting lavish gifts from Epstein, coaching him on dodging negative press and sharing intimate details about her dating life with the convicted sex offender.
In one message, Ruemmler referred to Epstein as “Uncle Jeffrey.” On Epstein’s 62nd birthday, CNN’s KFile reported that she wrote to him in an email, “I hope you enjoy the day with your one true love. :-).”
Ruemmler also concluded many messages with “xo” and “xoxo.”
Goldman CEO David M. Solomon swiftly accepted her departure, stating he accepted Ruemmler’s resignation, “and I respect her decision,” The New York Times reported.
The resignation marks a stunning fall for Ruemmler, who served as general counsel at Goldman Sachs since 2021 and held the titles of partner and vice chair of the reputational risk committee. Before joining the financial giant, she held the prestigious role of White House counsel under President Obama and built a notable career as a white-collar defense attorney at the prominent firm Latham & Watkins.
Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn has admitted there are no assurances that Anthony Joshua will fight again following the death of two close friends.
Joshua, 36, suffered minor injuries in the 29 December crash that claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
The two-time world champion returned to training in January, posting a video on social media of him working out with the message “mental strength therapy”.
Hearn, who has promoted Joshua since he turned professional after winning gold at the 2012 Olympics, believes a competitive return is not imminent.
“I don’t think there are any guarantees he fights again, but at the same time I expect him to, because it is something that he loves,” Hearn said in an interview with First Round TV.
“And it is something he can carry those guys with him through as well, and it is something he wants to do.
“From a boxing sense, physically it wasn’t easy what he went through either. People probably don’t realise the extent of that.
“He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won’t be for a while to return to boxing training.”
Joshua has largely remained out of the spotlight since the fatal incident at the end of 2025, but made a rare public appearance when sitting cage-side at the PFL’s event in Dubai on Saturday.
He last fought on 19 December when he stopped YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round.
After that victory, which improved his record to 29 wins and four defeats, Joshua said he was ready to face long-term rival Tyson Fury next.
Fury ended his latest spell of retirement in January when announcing he would be returning to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK on 11 April.
“Before this terrible incident, we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury,” Hearn said.
“Obviously, that is not happening now, and I don’t know if it will ever happen right now.
“But I think in the next few weeks and months, he may start to return and just turn the dial up a little bit more on training and see where he is at.”
Manchester United have defended their commitment to diversity and inclusion after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said “the UK has been colonised by immigrants,” remarks that triggered widespread criticism.
The billionaire businessman, founder and chairman of chemical giant Ineos, later said he was sorry that his comments “offended some people” and “caused concern.”
His remarks drew backlash from political leaders and football bodies, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer describing them as “offensive and wrong.” The Football Association said it would investigate whether the comments brought the game into disrepute.
In a statement, Manchester United said: “Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club. Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home. Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.”
The club added that it remains committed to the principles of the campaign, noting that its approach is reflected in its policies and culture and reinforced by holding the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard. “We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride,” the statement said.
Without directly naming Sir Jim, the club also referenced its work supporting LGBTQ+ communities, mental health initiatives, violence against women and girls (VAWG) awareness, as well as engagement with Jewish and disabled supporters, adding that further initiatives would be supported in the coming months.
In his own statement, Sir Jim said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.
“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
“My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”
During the Sky News interview, Sir Jim said: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
“I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.” He added: “I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it’s 70 million. That’s 12 million people.”
However, figures from the Office for National Statistics estimate that the UK population was 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024, while the population was last close to 58 million in 2000.
Sir Keir responded by saying: “Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”
In the same interview, Sir Jim suggested the prime minister was “maybe too nice” for the role, adding: “It’s a tough job, and I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track.”
He also described Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as an “intelligent man” with “good intentions,” while saying similar things had been said about Sir Keir when he first took office. “I think it needs somebody who’s prepared to be unpopular for a period of time to get the big issues sorted out,” he said.
The comments sparked criticism from supporters’ groups. Manchester United Supporters Trust said: “Manchester United belongs to all of its supporters.
“No fan should feel excluded from following or supporting the club because of their race, religion, nationality or background. Comments from the club’s senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder. This is not about politics; it is about ensuring that the custodians of Manchester United act in a way that unites supporters rather than marginalising any part of our fanbase.”
Anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card said it was deeply concerned by the remarks, stating: “Britain is a diverse society shaped by migration. Framing that diversity as ‘colonisation’ is reinforcing harmful stereotypes and emboldening those who seek to divide rather than unite.”
Sir Jim, who bought a minority stake in Manchester United in late 2023, has overseen a series of controversial changes at the club, including ticket pricing and structural reforms, which have drawn protests from sections of the fanbase.
A former Army Colonel from Florida has been sentenced to two years in prison for trying to woo a woman he met online by sending her secret classified battle plans.
Retired combat vet Kevin Charles Luke, 62, was working as a high-level civilian contractor with “top secret” clearance at US military headquarters in Tampa in October 2024, when he texted a photo of plans for a Middle East attack to his new fling, according to court documents.
“Sent to my boss earlier,” he wrote in the text, which included a photo of an email on his work computer at Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base. “Gives you a peek at what I do for a living.”
The image showed a classified email message with details about the date of the operation, the number of targets, and battle plans, court papers state.
The confidential email was labeled “SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY” — meaning it was only meant to be seen by authorized personnel in the so-called “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance, which includes the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Roughly two months later, Luke, a decorated officer who spent 37 years in the Army before retiring in 2018, broke up with the unidentified woman.
She then reported him to authorities, prompting federal agents to search his home, according to his defense attorney Mark O’Brien.
Luke later pleaded guilty to unauthorized communication of classified military strike plans, but insisted he sent the text simply to impress the woman, not as an act of treason or for financial gain.
It wasn’t clear which attack his email referenced, but it was sent days before the Central Command headquarters launched airstrikes in Yemen, directed at Houthis, an Islamic fundamentalist military force.
“[His] betrayal of the nation’s secrets—which disclosed a then-future military operation and put service members at risk—is deeply troubling,” US District Judge James Moody said in his sentencing memo.
Luke wept in court as he addressed the judge.
“I stand before you accepting full responsibility for my actions,” he said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “What I did was wrong. I violated the trust placed in me and, sir, I am ashamed of that.”
Prosecutors had requested he get four years behind bars, but Moody ultimately sentenced him to two, noting he balanced the seriousness of his crime with his years of military service.
“This is a difficult sentencing,” Moody said.
With good behavior, Luke could end up serving 15 months or less, O’Brien told The Post.
“In a moment of bad judgment, he sent a text photo of his work to a woman he was seeing. There is no excuse for this. It was a split-second decision designed to impress a woman that only came to light months later, after he ended his relationship with the woman,” O’Brien said. “He regrets his actions deep
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe could end up being punished by the Football Association for his comments over migrants.
British-born billionaire caused fury over his controversial views and was ordered to apologise by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In an interview with Sky News, he said: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
“I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money.
Ratcliffe has issued a statement apologising if he had “offended some people”.
The FA are understood to be looking into his comments to see whether he has potentially brought football in disrepute.
The game’s governing body could then launch an investigation before potentially handing out a charge.
While one of the country’s richest men would be able to afford a paltry fine if he was found guilty, it would still be an embarrassing situation for the founder of the INEOS chemicals group and part-owner of United.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the comments “play into the hands of those who want to divide our country”.
The England international winger has signed for Feyenoord after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent in January, ending a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge and opting for a fresh start in the Netherlands.
The 31-year-old had been without a club since his departure from Chelsea during the winter transfer window. Despite receiving multiple offers from clubs in England and across Europe, he chose to join Feyenoord, where he will work under former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
“As a free agent, I’ve had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step in my career. I wanted to take my time to speak with clubs and their head coaches to better understand the role they envisioned for me and ensure that I can add real value in this next chapter,” he said.
“Having spoken in great detail with Robin, I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team. Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me, and one I’m ready to embrace. Honestly, I’m just excited to get started.”
Feyenoord are currently second in the Eredivisie, trailing league leaders PSV by 17 points, and are pushing for Champions League qualification.
Van Persie welcomed the signing, saying: “Naturally it’s a fantastic feat that we’ve managed to convince a player of Raheem’s calibre to sign with us.
“His football resume speaks for itself. He’s a player whose qualities can change the outcome of a game without a doubt, and I am convinced he will turn out to be a valuable addition to the team as we work towards achieving our goals in the second half of this season.”
Sources indicate that around 18 clubs were interested in signing the winger, who agreed a settlement package on the final 18 months of his Chelsea contract, reportedly worth more than £300,000 per week.
His exit brought to an end a disappointing period in west London. Signed for £47.5 million in 2022, he managed 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 appearances for Chelsea. He did not feature for the club this season after being sidelined by former manager Enzo Maresca. Last season, he was loaned to Arsenal but scored just once in 28 appearances.
The move to Feyenoord represents a significant shift for the forward, who enjoyed the most successful spell of his career at Manchester City. During his seven years at the Etihad Stadium, he scored 131 goals in 339 matches, winning four Premier League titles, five EFL Cups and an FA Cup.
He will now hope that a switch to the Eredivisie, known for its attacking style of play, can revitalise his career and help him rediscover the form that made him one of England’s most influential attackers.
ESWATINI ANGERS MADAGASCAR JUNTA FOR HOSTING DEPOSED LEADER
Madagascar’s military government has criticised Eswatini for hosting ousted President Andry Rajoelina last week, describing the visit as a “grave infringement of its sovereignty”.
Last Friday, the Eswatini government shared photos of King Mswati III meeting Rajoelina, during which the king called on Madagascar’s military junta to restore constitutional order.
In a statement, Madagascar’s military leader Col Michael Randrianirina voiced his “strongest condemnation” of the visit, terming it “politically unacceptable”.
Rajoelina was overthrown last October by an elite military following weeks of youth-led protests in the Indian Ocean island.
The demonstrations were over persistent power and water shortages, culminating in the army siding with the demonstrators.
This was the first time the ousted president was seen in a diplomatic engagement since fleeing Madagascar.
King Mswati III’s office said the meeting with Rajoelina was part of Eswatini’s role as a facilitator in regional diplomacy and was not intended to interfere in Madagascar’s domestic politics.
An author who has written four books about President Donald Trump revealed a strange detail about the president’s marriage.
Journalist Michael Wolff said during an interview on “Inside Trump’s Head,” a podcast he co-hosted with Hugh Dougherty, executive editor of The Daily Beast, that the relationship between Donald and Melania Trump is “remote at best.” He added that the two don’t even live in the same state, with the first lady spending most of her time between Mar-a-Lago and the Trump properties in New York.
“The first lady does not live with the President of the United States,” Wolff said. “Their relationship is remote at best. And I think we can probably say, well, it’s certainly of a different nature than any president and first lady has ever had. Not to mention that … the nature of this is that she lives in New York and he lives somewhere else.”
Melania Trump, a former figurehead of the first Trump administration, has been notably absent from the White House during Trump’s second term.
Wolff revealed that the Trumps live apart as part of an ongoing lawsuit between the author and the first lady. Melania Trump sued Wolff for more than $1 billion after he claimed that she had a relationship with disgraced financier and convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein.
“NO REFERENDUM, NO DEAL!” OPPOSITION FIRES WARNING SHOT OVER TERM EXTENSION BID
Opposition leader and Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP) Chairman Jameson Timber has sounded the alarm after reports that Cabinet has adopted principles of a Constitutional Amendment Bill aimed at extending presidential and parliamentary terms without putting the matter to a national referendum.
Timber described the move as a “defining constitutional moment” for Zimbabwe, coming just a day after the Constitutional Court granted urgent access in a challenge to Resolution 1 of 2024.
He warned that any amendment touching presidential tenure strikes at the people’s sovereign right to choose their leader and cannot legally be pushed through Parliament alone. “Where the Constitution demands direct consent from the people, political majorities cannot substitute themselves,” the DCP declared.
The Platform announced immediate legal action at domestic, regional and international levels, alongside parliamentary engagement and a nationwide civic mobilisation campaign.
“This is bigger than 2030,” Timber said. “It’s about whether constitutional legitimacy will triumph over constitutional abuse.”
Trump Withdraws Troops From Syria Base Amid Iran Tensions
The United States has pulled its forces out of the strategic Al-Tanf base in southern Syria, relocating troops to Jordan as regional tensions with Iran escalate.
The outpost…positioned along the vital corridor linking Baghdad to Damascus…had been a key American military foothold in the Syrian conflict for nearly a decade.
Washington presents the move as part of a broader diplomatic shift and changing regional dynamics.
Critics, however, argue the withdrawal signals concern over potential Iranian retaliation against U.S. positions across the Middle East.
The French government has unveiled a 16-point national fertility plan aimed at addressing the country’s declining birth rate.
One of the most talked-about elements is a new initiative to send letters to every 29-year-old in France.
Under the plan, all French citizens and residents who turn 29 this year will receive a letter from the state containing scientifically based information about fertility, reproductive health, contraception and options such as egg freezing.
The letter also explains that egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) can be done at age 29 or older without a medical certificate.
It explains that France’s social security system covers the cost of freezing and storing eggs for women aged 29 to 37.
Officials said the goal is to help young adults make informed personal choices and avoid later regret about having delayed parenthood.
The letters are designed to be informational rather than coercive. Officials describe the whole thing as avoiding the “if-only-I-had-known” stage.
Infertility is estimated to affect one in eight couples in France, and the birth rate has fallen to some of its lowest levels in decades.
In 2025, for the first time since World War II, deaths outpaced births in France, highlighting demographic pressures on society.
The fertility plan also includes other measures such as expanding fertility preservation centres, and strengthening reproductive health education.
It also focuses on improving early diagnosis of fertility issues, but the letter initiative has drawn particular attention and debate.
The first batch of letters is expected to be sent out later this year as part of the strategy to slow the decline in France’s birth rate.
ONLY THE BIGGEST CONSTITUENCIES SHOULD BE DELIMITATED
By Brian Matambo | Sandton, South Africa
Dear Readers,
Forgive me if I do not extend automatic trust to President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration. He is the one who warned the nation about imingalato. Once people are told that tricks are in play, they would be foolish not to verify every move. So from this end, everything is fact-checked. Quietly. Carefully. Twice.
Come here, beloved. Let us talk about delimitation.
I hear that the Electoral Commission of Zambia intends to create 70 new constituencies. The number itself is not the issue. Seventy can be justified. What cannot be justified is the method being whispered about. The suggestion appears to be that one constituency per district will be selected, as though delimitation were some kind of district participation exercise. That is where the red flags begin to wave.
Delimitation is not a lottery. It is not a distribution of comfort prizes. It is a constitutional instrument designed to correct an imbalance. And imbalance is not measured by geography. It is measured by population.
So let us look at the data.
When we rank Zambia’s constituencies by registered voter totals, the distribution is not emotional. It is numerical. And numbers do not campaign. They do not negotiate. They simply exist.
Here is how the provinces rank by the number of constituencies appearing among the Top 70 largest nationwide:
Copperbelt Province: 14 constituencies
Eastern Province: 12 constituencies
Southern Province: 8 constituencies
Lusaka Province: 5 constituencies
Northern Province: 5 constituencies
Central Province: 4 constituencies
Muchinga Province: 3 constituencies
North Western Province: 3 constituencies
Luapula Province: 2 constituencies
Western Province: 1 constituency
Pause there.
If delimitation is about population fairness, then the province with the highest concentration of oversized constituencies must logically receive the highest number of boundary reviews. That means Copperbelt first. Eastern second. Southern third. Not by political colour. By voter weight.
Copperbelt alone accounts for 14 of the 70 largest constituencies. Chingola, Kalulushi, Kwacha, Ndola Central, Chimwemwe and others carry voter loads that dwarf many rural seats.
Eastern Province follows closely with 12 constituencies in the Top 70. Chipata Central exceeds 84,000 voters. Petauke and Chipangali both exceed 70,000. These are not modest administrative units. They are dense parliamentary blocks.
Southern Province has 8 constituencies in the Top 70, including Livingstone and Choma Central, both carrying substantial voter loads. Western Province appears only once in the Top 70. Mongu Central has 53,409 voters. That is the data.
Now the arithmetic question becomes unavoidable. If equity is the objective, why spread delimitation evenly across districts regardless of size? Why give equal restructuring attention to a district with one severely oversized constituency and another with none? That is not proportional reform. That is cosmetic balancing.
Delimitation must correct the imbalance. And imbalance is measured by voter concentration, not district count. If a constituency carries 170,000 voters, that is where the knife must cut first. If another carries 45,000 voters, there is no emergency there.
This is why the method matters more than the announcement. When the ECZ says 70 constituencies will be delimitated, the country must ask: based on what threshold? Based on which population metric? Based on which deviation standard?
Because if the largest constituencies are not prioritised, then the process cannot be defended as population-based. It begins to resemble political choreography.
Now, let us go deeper. The smallest constituency within the Top 70 largest nationwide stands at 44,638 voters. That becomes our benchmark. The floor itself sits inside the “largest” category.
Now compare that to the five biggest constituencies in Zambia:
Kanyama, Lusaka Province: 178,424 voters
Mandevu, Lusaka Province: 163,011 voters
Munali, Lusaka Province: 151,922 voters
Matero, Lusaka Province: 142,141 voters
Kabwata, Lusaka Province: 109,367 voters
Apply simple arithmetic. If the smallest Top 70 constituency sits at 44,638 voters, then:
Kanyama would need to be divided approximately 4 times to approach parity. 178,424 ÷ 44,638 ≈ 4
Mandevu would need to be divided approximately 4 times. 163,011 ÷ 44,638 ≈ 3.6
Munali would need to be divided approximately 3 to 4 times. 151,922 ÷ 44,638 ≈ 3.4
Matero would need to be divided approximately 3 times. 142,141 ÷ 44,638 ≈ 3.1
Kabwata would need to be divided approximately 2 to 3 times. 109,367 ÷ 44,638 ≈ 2.4
And since we were warned about imingalato, forgive us for checking the mathematics twice.
Now, because criticism without structure is noise, I took the liberty of preparing a rational delimitation schedule based purely on population parity. If the constitutional mandate is equity, then numbers must lead the procession.
Here is the population-based schedule.
Constituencies to be Delimitated: 48
Split into 6 constituencies each
Kanyama → 6 constituencies (≈ 29,737 voters each)
Mandevu → 6 constituencies (≈ 27,168 voters each)
Split into 5 constituencies each
Munali → 5 constituencies (≈ 30,384 voters each)
Matero → 5 constituencies (≈ 28,428 voters each)
Split into 4 constituencies
Kabwata → 4 constituencies (≈ 27,342 voters each)
Split into 3 constituencies each
Chongwe → 3 constituencies (≈ 31,958 voters each)
Lusaka Central → 3 constituencies (≈ 31,324 voters each)
Mongu Central → 2 constituencies (≈ 26,704 voters each)
That is arithmetic-based delimitation. No guessing. No district tokenism. No cosmetic symmetry. Just population weight. And if equity is truly the mandate, then the largest constituencies must carry the knife first. Anything else, in a nation warned about imingalato, will invite suspicion. And suspicion, especially in an election year, is never a small thing. S
JOHN SANGWA’S MOVEMENT FOR NATIONAL RENEWAL REGISTERS MORE THAN 400,00!
A while ago, I saw 421, 511 signatures on the MNR website although 5days ago, it was showing about 189,000. Then I got thinking.
This is not a small number. And it’s growing.
It’s Zambians that believe there’s need for renewal in this country.
Remember the thematic areas that John Sangwa had alluded to most of which dealt with constitutionalism, the rule of law, among others?
The signatures represent Zambians who believe that the UPND government has disappointed in the governance space.
Their signatures may represent how they are going to decide the next government at the forthcoming polls.
Perhaps, it’s not only governance/political issues that are of concern to them.
I know the UPND government has touted the state of the economy as one of their major achievements.
While I don’t dispute most of their claims, I keep reminding them that their achievements are too small a cake to go around.
What the UPND lacks is how to take to scale every aspect of the economy that is intended to touch people’s lives.
You can’t be proud of creating a 100,000 jobs in an economy where 10million plus people need decent employment opportunities!
Unfortunately, whatever UPND has achieved so far is too small to make any meaningful impact.
Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that almost 200,000 or more than 400,000 Zambians agree with John Sangwa and seek the renewal of this country.
As the captain of the ship, President Hichilema must take seriously the message these signatures are sending to him.
They constitute a verdict on his leadership.
I know it’s a lot to demand of politicians who are used to get away with anything.
He may respond by saying, “what is important is that we invest in what works to retain power”.
This is what most politicians do in this country. It’s cheaper to win power but expensive and demanding to deliver a truly inclusive national development.
Hence, Zambians’ continued search for a leader that will prioritize inclusive development than the retention of power.
Following my earlier posting explaining why Mr. Mathew Mohan may not qualify to run for office until after 19th or 20th August, 2026, having been released from prison pursuant to the President’s exercise of the prerogative of mercy through remission (which some have loosely referred to as a “pardon”), I have noted that many learned colleagues like Kaluba Bright have expressed dissenting views. And my good friend, NDC President Saboi Imboela – SI insisted I do the follow up article. That is healthy and welcome in a constitutional democracy.
However, before engaging in further legal debate, we must first clarify a foundational point:
Whenever the President of the Republic of Zambia exercises the prerogative of mercy, whether by pardon, commutation, substitution, or remission, the decision is formally published in the Government Gazette. This publication serves a public legal function: it makes clear, in its heading, the nature of the mercy granted, including whether it is a pardon (conditional or unconditional), remission, or another form of clemency. In addition, the released inmate is issued with a formal release order specifying the legal basis of release.
From the various Gazette Notices that I have displayed here, it is evident that Mr. Mohan, Mr. Keith Mukata, Mr. Chellah Tukuta and others were released on the basis of remission of sentence, not an unconditional pardon.
The suggestion that there was an unconditional pardon should therefore be put to rest on the strength of this official and public documentary evidence.
With that clarification, we can now turn to the constitutional question under Article 70(2)(g).
MEANING AND IMPLICATIONS OF ARTICLE 70(2)(g)
Article 70(2)(g) of the Constitution of Zambia provides:
“A person is disqualified from being elected as a Member of Parliament if that person has, in the immediate preceding five years, served a term of imprisonment of at least three years.”
This provision creates a constitutional disqualification based on two essential elements:
1. The person must have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of at least three years; and
2. That term must have been served (wholly or partly) within the five years immediately preceding the election.
The key legal point is that the Constitution refers to “served a term of imprisonment of at least three years.” This refers to the judicial sentence imposed by the court, not merely the period physically spent in prison after remission or early release.
As an example, let’s assume that: 1. A person is sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. 2. Due to remission or good behaviour, that person serves two years and nine months. 3. The person is released on 20 August 2021. 4. The general election is scheduled for 13 August 2026.
To determine eligibility, we calculate the five-year constitutional window:
(a) The “immediate preceding five years” from 13 August 2026 runs back to 13 August 2021.
(b) The individual was still serving the three-year sentence until 20 August 2021, which falls within that five-year window.
Therefore, (i) the person had been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of at least three years; and (ii) that sentence was being served within the five years immediately preceding the election.
The constitutional disqualification is therefore triggered.
WHY REMISSION DOES NOT REMOVE THE DISQUALIFICTION
As was held in the case of Wilfred Luwaile v Attorney-General by the ConstitutionalCourt, remission does not erase or nullify the original sentence. It merely reduces the custodial period. The sentence imposed by the court remains three years. There is an important legal distinction between:
1. The sentence imposed by the court, and 2. The actual time physically spent in custody.
Article 70(2)(g) is concerned with the former: the term of imprisonment imposed. Remission shortens time in prison, but it does not convert a three-year sentence into a lesser sentence. If there had been an unconditional pardon, the legal consequences may be different. But the Gazette evidence shows remission of Mr Mohan and others, not unconditional pardon.
CONCLUSION
In simple but legally accurate terms:
If a person is sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, and that sentence was being served within five years before an election, that person is constitutionally disqualified from being elected as a Member of Parliament — even if remission resulted in less than three full years being physically spent in prison.
I wish to make it clear that I harbour no ill-will whatsoever against Mr. Mohan or against anyone who is released from prison. On the contrary, Mr. Mohan has demonstrated how deeply he loves Kabwe and, like any citizen, he has a right to aspire to leadership and to participate in public life. My concern is not personal; it is constitutional. The issue is fidelity to the clear text of Article 70(2)(g). Where the Constitution sets a standard, our duty as citizens and lawyers is to interpret and apply it faithfully, regardless of personalities or political sympathies.
