Zambia's Political Firestorm: Mundubile & NRPUP Promise Revival, Accuse UPND of Betrayal

The NRPUP campaign recently gained significant momentum in Zambia's Northern Province, with prominent figures Makebi Zulu and presidential candidate Brian Mundubile addressing separate rallies in Mungwi and Nseluka. Both leaders mounted strong criticisms against the incumbent UPND government while outlining their party's pledges ahead of the upcoming August elections.

Addressing supporters in Mungwi, Makebi Zulu launched a scathing attack on the UPND, claiming that divine will necessitated a change of government due to the ruling party's failure to honor key pre-election promises. Zulu specifically cited the unfulfilled pledges to reduce the price of mealie meal to K50 and lower fertilizer costs, arguing that the rising cost of living had deeply disappointed many citizens. He stated, “We sat down with Brian Mundubile and concluded that this is not our own doing but God’s will. God has decided that there should be a change of government this year because our friends are liars.” Zulu further accused the government of failing to adequately support farmers despite earlier commitments and criticized the UPND for welcoming former Patriotic Front (PF) members into its ranks after previously condemning them, highlighting a contradiction in their political narrative. He urged NRPUP supporters to remain united and avoid internal divisions as they approached the August polls.

At a separate rally in Nseluka and later in Mungwi, NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile presented a comprehensive vision for governance, blending specific policy pledges with sharp critiques of the current administration. Mundubile vowed that, if elected, his government would prioritize the restoration of constitutional freedoms, which he accused the UPND administration of eroding. He stated that citizens now live in fear of expressing themselves, assembling, and associating freely, alleging that critics, young people, and even members of the clergy have faced arrests for speaking out. “Our Country is destroyed. We’ve decided to get up and restore our Country. First, we want to give you back your rights. We want you to live as a free people,” Mundubile declared.

Mundubile pledged to repeal what he described as oppressive cyber laws, which he argued have undermined freedom of expression and created widespread fear. He promised to restore essential constitutional freedoms, including the right to criticize the government without fear of arrest, ensuring citizens can freely hold leaders accountable. Furthermore, he committed to allowing opposition political parties to freely hold rallies and asserted that religious leaders should be permitted to preach without intimidation or being summoned by law enforcement over their sermons. He highlighted a deterioration in public confidence in the Zambia Police Service, noting that citizens now often fear police officers rather than feeling protected. While criticizing the UPND government for allegedly using the police to suppress dissent, Mundubile clarified that he does not blame all officers, urging them to prepare to serve under an administration committed to upholding the rule of law.

Beyond governance and freedoms, Mundubile outlined several socio-economic initiatives. He pledged to continue and expand the Social Cash Transfer programme, ensuring it benefits all eligible citizens regardless of political affiliation, noting that the program was originally a PF initiative for which the current government takes undue credit. He also promised to upgrade approximately 50,000 civil servants who have acquired higher qualifications but remain in their current positions, assuring that this process would commence immediately upon his government assuming office. Additional pledges included introducing a debt swap programme for indebted civil servants, improving housing allowances, and ensuring timely payment of outstanding salaries for council workers. For farmers, Mundubile committed to increasing fertilizer allocations, promising eight bags per beneficiary if elected.

Mundubile concluded by formally accepting his party’s adoption of him and Makebi Zulu as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively. He underscored the importance of building consensus, refining policy messages, and orchestrating coordinated efforts that resonate with the electorate. Zambians are set to head to the polls on August 13 to elect a president, members of Parliament, and local government representatives.