The Patriotic Front (PF) in Zambia is currently embroiled in significant internal disciplinary disputes, with two prominent members, Mundubile and Japhen Mwakalombe, facing charges of gross indiscipline and violating party regulations. Mukandila, acting on behalf of the party, has issued formal charges and directed both individuals to exculpate themselves before the disciplinary committee within a strict seven-day timeframe.

In a letter dated January 10, 2026, addressed to Mundubile, Mukandila formally charged the Patriotic Front Central Committee Member (MCC) and Member of Parliament with multiple violations of the 2007 party constitution. The charges against Mundubile include making unsubstantiated accusations against party leadership, specifically claiming via a Facebook statement that the leadership was scheming to expel him and his campaign team to hinder his intra-party election candidacy. This action, Mukandila stated, violates Regulation 29(h) for spreading false information and Article 15(g) for failing to fight against conduct harming the party.

Furthermore, Mundubile is accused of establishing parallel structures, as his campaign team is alleged to be purposefully promoting division by creating party structures contrary to party regulations, a breach of Article 20 concerning unified, elective organs and Regulation 43 requiring all party organs to be registered with the Secretary-General. He is also charged with breaching public event protocols by deliberately attending an "illegal Tonse Alliance meeting" without the necessary authority from the party president and acting Deputy Secretary Generals, contravening Regulation 29(d) for disobeying party organ directives. Lastly, Mundubile stands accused of unauthorized recognition of individuals dismissed from party positions by the president, violating Article 13 and Article 58(c), which outline leaders' obligation to uphold party authority and the Central Committee's mandate to enforce discipline.

These disciplinary actions coincide with Mundubile's recent activities. On Tuesday, he officially launched his Copperbelt and Central Province campaign team in anticipation of the PF presidential race, headed by Mkushi South PF MP Davison Chisopa. He also notably walked away from a meeting of presidential candidates and PF Elders aimed at reducing the number of aspiring candidates, citing intimidation and a scheme by the Given Lubinda faction to expel him. Despite the charges, which the party deems false and damaging to its reputation, Mundubile appears resolute in his presidential aspirations and has called on supporters to join his movement. Sources suggest he intends to remain with the Tonse Alliance and contest the presidency as a movement, with the Alliance having opened nominations for its own presidential candidate ahead of an elective congress at the end of the month.

Concurrently, Japhen Mwakalombe, another PF Member of the Central Committee, has also been directed to provide an exculpatory letter to the disciplinary committee regarding his alleged gross misconduct. Mukandila informed Mwakalombe that his actions and activities between January 6th and 8th, 2026, were detrimental to the party's interests, unity, and organizational order. Specific allegations against Mwakalombe include violating the party constitution by holding or participating in divisive parallel meetings and unauthorized press conferences without authority from the Central Committee, the Secretariat, or the party president. These actions are seen as purposefully promoting division and creating parallel party structures, contravening Article 20 and Regulation 43. As a Central Committee member, Mwakalombe is reminded of his high obligation to the party, with his actions constituting a gross breach of constitutional authority and trust, specifically violating Article 58 (purporting to exercise Central Committee-exclusive powers) and Article 15(a)/(g) and Regulation 29 (betraying membership obligations and fostering factionalism). He has also been given seven days to exculpate himself in writing to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

The party emphasizes that these actions undermine unity, disregard hierarchical authority, harm the PF’s integrity, and disrupt organizational order. Failure by either Mundubile or Mwakalombe to respond within the stipulated seven days will constitute an acceptance of the charges. A decision will be rendered promptly post-response, with appeal rights available to the Central Committee, National Council, or General Conference, in line with Regulation 99. These charges, initiated by the Given Lubinda-led faction which also suspended Mundubile, underscore the party’s commitment to enforcing accountability and protecting its unity and mission.