The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union (UNZALARU) has revealed intentions to pass a vote of no confidence against the university's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Luke Evuta Mumba. According to UNZALARU President Dr. Evans Lampi, this plan has not yet been implemented due to the Vice Chancellor's consistent unavailability to address the lecturers' concerns. Dr. Lampi expressed profound disappointment with Prof. Mumba's actions, stating that the Vice Chancellor is regularly absent when critical issues are raised by the academic staff.

This disclosure came shortly after a significant meeting held in the university senate chambers, which involved the University management, UNZALARU, and other lecturers. During this meeting, Dr. Lampi further announced a critical development: lecturers have ceased their duties and will not resume teaching until their May salaries are paid. This decision highlights the escalating tension between the academic staff and the university administration regarding remuneration.

Echoing these sentiments, the University of Zambia Professional Staff Union (UNZAPROSU), through its President Michael Clement Kaluba, also declared that its members would withdraw their services. Kaluba strongly condemned the university's failure to pay workers on time, labeling it as illegal and unjustifiable. He invoked the legal principle, "He who comes to justice must come with clean hands," to underscore the university's compromised position. Kaluba also called upon President Edgar Lungu to honor his Labour Day promise, which aimed to eliminate delays in workers' payments across the country.

Other university unions present at the meeting fully supported the positions taken by UNZALARU and UNZAPROSU, indicating a widespread consensus among staff regarding the salary dispute. The lecturers were seeking clarification on when their May salaries would be credited, but efforts to obtain a comment from Vice Chancellor Prof. Luke Evuta Mumba at the meeting proved unsuccessful due to his absence, further exacerbating the frustration among the university staff.