LUSAKA | 8 AUGUST 2026
UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe has responded to political statements attributed to Hot FM proprietor Oscar Chavula, saying that anyone who openly takes political positions should be prepared to face political scrutiny
Simuuwe said Chavula would be treated as a political opponent if he chooses to actively participate in politics, arguing that media ownership should not shield anyone from accountability for political pronouncements.
He further defended the UPND Government’s record on media freedom, saying the administration had not shut down Hot FM or other media houses for expressing views critical of Government.
Simuuwe said the UPND respects the role of the media in a democracy but maintained that media freedom comes with responsibility and does not mean immunity from scrutiny.
He also rejected Chavula’s assertion that President Hakainde Hichilema would lose the 2026 General Election, describing the statement as a political position rather than media analysis.
MARK SIMUUWE
UPND MEDIA DIRECTOR