The Insider

  Credible sources within UPND have disclosed that fired Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Joseph Akafumba was trying to meet President Hakainde Hichilema but was curtailed by his security detail. The security comprises the very Police whom Akafumba was commanding and dictating before his fate yesterday. Akafumba was removed as PS and has been put on "waiting to be deployed" list which is obviously a demotion. He is likely to be shunted somewhere as a diplomat. However, the sources who are within the ruling party but are happy that Akafumba's wings have been trimmed, say they are elated by President Hichilema's move because the NDC faction leader became big headed and stopped picking calls from ordinary party members. "These are results of being pompous and thinking you're the Boss. Akafumba has not been adding value to the party. In fact he has been making the President look bad" a UPND member who opted not to be mention...

  By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma Easterners, it is time to wake up! Chief Mukuni from Southern Province has allegedly been making rounds in Eastern Province, moving from palace to palace, lobbying for votes for his “son,” President Hakainde Hichilema, ahead of the 2026 elections. His mission? To convince traditional leaders that HH understands their struggles, that he is “trying his best” to work, and that he should be given a second chance to “finish what he started.” But let’s be honest—what exactly has he started, and what has he finished for the people of Eastern Province? Chief Mukuni’s Political Tour ▪️February 19, 2025 – He was in Chipangali, visiting Chewa palaces. ▪️February 20, 2025 – He arrived in Lundazi. ▪️February 21, 2025 – He went to Chipata. This raises serious questions: Why does a chief from Southern Province feel the need to campaign for HH in Eastern Province? Why is he lobbying Eastern Province chiefs on behalf of a president who should be judged by his performance, ...

  Yesterday Outgoing Dictator  Hakainde Hichilema posted on his Facebook page “ Fellow citizens, Kindly note that we have made the following changes. Hakainde Hichilema  President of the Republic of Zambia”  This announcement comes barely a day after after Laura Miti, a staunch supporter of Hichilema, posted on her Facebook page that “the current President is the most dissapointing for me.  I mean, corporate background and all. How can he be so bad at hiring and firing, or so at ease with incompetence?” Is it a coincidence or the President is reacting to Laura Miti's comments, or she knew what was coming and wanted to make her disappointment known before Hichilema made new appointments to avoid injuring the man who is believed to have  a very fragile ego. But the extent of changes announced clearly show that this is another opportunity missed for Hichilema to demonstrate that he is capable of  hiring the right people and firing non-performers.  Bu...

  In a bold move to enhance efficiency and strengthen governance, President Hakainde Hichilema has announced sweeping changes in both ministerial and permanent secretary appointments. The reshuffle, effective immediately, underscores the President’s commitment to aligning his leadership team with the nation’s strategic priorities and ensuring improved service delivery. The reshuffling comes at a crucial moment as President Hichilema intensifies his focus on revitalizing the country’s leadership apparatus. In a statement released by his Principal Private Secretary, Bradford Machila, the President confirmed the termination of key appointments, which includes high-profile figures across several provinces and ministries. Key Changes in Government Leadership The reshuffle saw the termination of the following officials: Honourable Henry Sikazwe MP , Minister for Muchinga Province Honourable Gregory Ngowani MP , Government Deputy Chief Whip Mr. Henry Mukungule , Permanent Secretary for Mu...

  By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma The rise of President Hakainde Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND) administration was met with high expectations for unity, economic recovery, and a fair governance system. However, instead of fostering national cohesion, the administration has entrenched tribal divisions, raising serious concerns about its commitment to an inclusive Zambia. One of the most alarming aspects of this administration is its blatant and aggressive tribal favoritism.  Appointments to key government positions, distribution of national resources, and access to justice have been overwhelmingly skewed in favor of individuals from the Southern, Western, and Northwestern provinces—regions considered strongholds of UPND support.  Meanwhile, Zambians from other ethnic backgrounds, particularly Bembas and Easterners, are being systematically sidelined, persecuted, and unfairly targeted through government institutions such as the courts and the police. ...

  When President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office, many were hopeful that his corporate background would bring a breath of fresh air to Zambian governance. After all, Hichilema’s success in the business world was heralded as evidence of his ability to make tough, calculated decisions, including managing teams and building effective organizations. Sadly, this hope has been slowly eroded by a series of questionable appointments and a failure to hold key figures accountable in his administration. Human rights commissioner Laura Miti recently made headlines by describing President Hichilema as the most disappointing leader in recent memory. Her concerns are not without merit, as Zambia finds itself facing a growing crisis of poor governance and questionable leadership appointments. The people appointed to critical positions are, more often than not, loyalists rather than individuals with the skills, competence, or qualifications to effectively govern. Reflecting on the MMD era, from P...