‘REGISTER AS UPND’S MEDIA WING’ – TONSE LAUNCHES SCATHING ATTACK ON NEWS DIGGERS
The Tonse Alliance and National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP) Youth and Students Wing has accused News Diggers of abandoning independent journalism and operating as a propaganda platform for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
In a statement issued by Tonse Alliance/NRPUP Vice National Chairperson for the Presidential Youth Campaign Team and Students Affairs, Gregory Chisha, the youth wing alleged that the publication has consistently published one-sided reports and editorials aimed at discrediting Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu.
Chisha claimed that News Diggers had shifted from being an independent media institution to what he described as an extension of the UPND media team, accusing the newspaper of using its editorial platform to advance the ruling party’s political interests.
He said the alleged bias was undermining public confidence in the media and called on the publication to return to what he termed fair, balanced and ethical journalism
The Tonse official further challenged News Diggers to openly declare itself as the UPND’s official media wing if it could no longer maintain neutrality, saying the alliance would rather engage it as a political opponent than as a media organisation claiming independence.
Despite the allegations, Chisha said the Tonse Alliance remained focused on its campaign, expressing confidence that Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu would continue to gain support ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election.
©️ Kumwesu | July 31, 2026
News Diggers is arguably the only genuinely independent newspaper in Zambia.
If their report is disputed, I would rather believe News Diggers.
News Diggers attempts at investigative journalism has been noteworthy. Remember the Mukula Scandal? News Diggers were taken to court by Mr. Lubinda, Ms. Jean Kapata and Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa over their alleged involvement in illegal harvesting and export of Mukula trees. Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa withdrew from the case and the remaining two plaintiffs lost the case.
That is how credible News Diggers are.