UPND CALLS FOR POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO SOLWEZI INCIDENT, REJECTS MUNDUBILE’S ALLEGATIONS
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA | 30 JULY 2026 – The United Party for National Development (UPND) has taken note of a statement issued by National Restoration and Progressive Union Party (NRPUP) presidential candidate, Brian Mundubile, on his Facebook page, in which he attempts to link President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND to an alleged altercation involving musicians in Solwezi.
The UPND wishes to state its position clearly and unequivocally.
From the moment President Hichilema assumed office, his administration took decisive steps to dismantle political cadreism and restore law and order in markets, bus stations and communities across Zambia. The culture of political violence and impunity has no place under the New Dawn Government, and that position remains unchanged.
Any individual who engages in criminal conduct, regardless of political affiliation, must be held accountable under the law. The UPND does not protect or shield lawbreakers. Whether the suspect belongs to the UPND, the NRPUP or any other political organisation, the law must take its course without fear or favour.
We therefore call upon the Zambia Police Service in North-Western Province to conduct a thorough, professional and impartial investigation into the reported incident in Solwezi and establish the facts without political interference.
Mr. Mundubile has publicly claimed that his party is in possession of video footage identifying the alleged perpetrators. If his interest is genuinely to assist the pursuit of justice, rather than score political points, he should immediately submit the complete, unedited footage and any other evidence in his possession to the Zambia Police Service to aid investigations.
It is irresponsible to seek to prosecute matters through social media while investigations are still underway. Attempting to assign blame before the relevant authorities have established the facts risks undermining due process and unnecessarily heightening political tensions at a time when the country is preparing for a peaceful General Election.
The UPND Government remains firmly committed to protecting the constitutional rights of every Zambian, including artists, musicians and performers, to freely associate, express themselves and participate in the democratic process without intimidation or violence.
We also reject, in the strongest terms, any attempt to implicate President Hakainde Hichilema in isolated incidents occurring in the field. Throughout this campaign, the President has consistently directed all party structures to uphold peace, discipline and respect for the rule of law.
As the country heads towards the 13 August 2026 General Election, we urge all political players to conduct themselves responsibly, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow law enforcement agencies to perform their constitutional mandate independently.
The people of Zambia expect political leaders to present credible policies and practical solutions that address the country’s development aspirations. The election should be contested on ideas, programmes and leadership, not on speculation, sensationalism or attempts to politicise unverified incidents.
The UPND remains committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign and calls on all stakeholders to safeguard the peace and unity that Zambia is known for.
Issued by:
Mark Simuuwe
Media Director
United Party for National Development (UPND)