The Insider

The Patriotic Front (PF) has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to withdraw the appointment of Judge Evans Hamaundu as head of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) until allegations of corruption against him are thoroughly investigated and resolved. Featuring on Diamond TV's  tamond live, PF Chairperson for Information Emmanuel Mwamba expressed shock and concern over the decision to appoint Judge Hamaundu despite unresolved complaints lodged against him at the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC). Mwamba emphasized that the President’s decision undermines public confidence in the fight against corruption. “There is still an active complaint against Justice Hamaundu at the JCC. Serious allegations of corruption have been raised, and these must be addressed before he can assume such a critical position,” Mwamba stated. The allegations against Judge Hamaundu stem from a complaint filed by Misheck Chatora, the Managing Director of Maritime Freight and Forwarding Limited. Chatora ac...

  Nkana Member of Parliament (MP) Binwell Mpundu has stood firm on his recent statements, asserting that his call for citizens to defend themselves against attacks by UPND cadres falls squarely within the confines of the law. Mpundu, who has faced allegations of inciting seditious practices, clarified that self-defense is a constitutional right available to all Zambians. Speaking on Radio Phoenix’s flagship program, Let the People Talk , Mpundu addressed accusations of incitement, emphasizing that his remarks were a legitimate response to escalating aggression by political cadres. “If a cadre comes with a gun, you can’t defend yourself with a slap but with a gun—if legally acquired. The call for citizens to defend themselves is not outside the law,” he stated emphatically. The lawmaker highlighted that his statement was made in the context of lawful self-defense, drawing parallels to comments previously made by President Hakainde Hichilema when he was in opposition. “Even our curre...

  Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has been released on police bond, pending a court appearance, following his arrest earlier this week. The lawmaker’s lawyer, Makebi Zulu, confirmed the development, describing his client’s arrest as politically motivated and an affront to democracy. Speaking to the press, Zulu expressed dismay at the charges leveled against Mpundu, which stemmed from remarks he made urging Zambian citizens to defend themselves. He questioned the rationale behind the arrest, emphasizing that Mpundu’s statements were within the bounds of lawful expression. “This is nothing short of a political witch-hunt. My client was exercising his constitutional right to speak on matters that concern the public,” Zulu stated. The arrest sparked widespread criticism, with members of the Patriotic Front (PF) and other opposition figures denouncing what they see as increasing government hostility toward dissenting voices. PF Vice President Given Lubinda was present at the p...

  In a major political shift, the Patriotic Front (PF) has lost all its constituency structures in Petauke, including prominent Constituency Chairperson Felix Ngulube and ward representatives, who have defected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Speaking at the defection ceremony, Felix Ngulube cited the PF’s lack of direction as the primary reason for the mass exodus. He revealed that internal disarray within the opposition party had left its members disillusioned, prompting councillors in the constituency to align with the UPND’s vision for development. Ngulube lauded the UPND government’s impactful social programs, such as the Cash for Work Program, Emergency Transfers, and the Social Cash Transfer initiative. He emphasized that these policies reflect the UPND’s dedication to uplifting all Zambians, regardless of political affiliation. “I, as a PF Chairperson, can now freely access Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize without being questioned about my politic...

Patriotic Front (PF) Information and Publicity Chairman Emmanuel Mwamba has raised serious concerns about Zambia’s faltering foreign policy, which he says is tightening a stranglehold on the country’s economy. From unresolved border crises to regional trade disruptions, Mwamba has sharply criticized key government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Finance Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, and Minister of Commerce Chipoka Mulenga, for their inability to effectively address these pressing issues. He states that Zimbabwe’s recent imposition of a $21,500 transit fee per truck has sparked outrage among regional stakeholders. ''The fee blatantly contravenes COMESA and SADC trade protocols by introducing unnecessary barriers to trade. Despite the glaring illegality of this levy, Zambian authorities have failed to take decisive action'', Mwamba says. “This is not just a breach of trade protocols; it’s a deliberate attack on regional trade dyn...

In a scathing critique of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government, Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya has accused the ruling party of institutionalising political cadres within key government institutions. Mr. Kafwaya claims this practice has compromised the integrity of vital institutions and poses a significant threat to national governance. Speaking to journalists, Mr. Kafwaya expressed concerns over what he described as the blatant appointment of known UPND cadres to critical positions in government. He highlighted the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as a prime example, citing the appointment of Mwangala Zaloumis as the commission’s chairperson. According to Mr. Kafwaya, such appointments are not only alarming but also indicative of a broader agenda to advance the interests of the ruling party at the expense of national unity. “The UPND government has polarised key institutions by appointing well-known political cadres to strategic positions,” Mr. K...

  THE Socialist Party (SP) has called on Zambians to disregard what it terms "fake and manipulative" opinion polls allegedly sponsored by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).  Chief Advisor to the SP President, Brian Hapunda, accused the UPND of using a Kenyan PR firm to bolster President Hakainde Hichilema’s image ahead of the 2026 general elections. Reacting to a recent Facebook opinion poll asking, "If elections were called today, who would you vote for?"—in which President Hichilema emerged as the preferred candidate—Hapunda labeled the results as fabricated. “The SP is aware of the fake and manipulated polls run and sponsored by the UPND government through their hired Kenyan firm to build an image for President Hichilema,” Hapunda stated. “These deceptive tactics are a desperate attempt to create an illusion of support amid the UPND’s waning popularity.” Hapunda urged the UPND to take lessons from previous administrations that relied on mis...

IN A BOLD declaration during its 6th Council of Leaders (CoL) meeting over the week-end, the Tonse Alliance has directed its members and supporters to stand firm against both alleged UPND-led violence and police brutality.  The meeting, chaired by Alliance leader and former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, underscored the coalition’s resolve to protect its members while preparing for the high-stakes 2026 general elections. The Alliance accused the Zambia Police Service of enabling violence by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and attempting to intimidate opposition members.  In response, the Tonse Alliance called on its supporters to defend themselves against both UPND aggression and any unlawful actions by the police. “We shall not be intimidated by UPND violence nor police brutality,” the Alliance declared. “Any aggression will be met with equal and proportionate force.”  This strong stance signals a significant escalation in Zambia’s political la...

IN A MOVE that has caught many by surprise, several significant tax changes have been introduced outside the official 2025 Budget framework. These changes, which were neither highlighted by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), nor the Ministry of Finance, have sparked widespread concern among citizens and businesses alike. The recent tax adjustments are believed to stem from the second supplementary budget or emergency revisions to the National Borrowing Plan. This follows a special session of Parliament convened by Speaker Nelly Mutti to deliberate on the Planning and Budgeting Committee’s report regarding the Revised Annual Borrowing Plan for 2024. Key Tax Changes Unveiled Property Transfer Tax : The tax on the sale of land, buildings, and shares has surged from 5% to 8%. Rental Income Tax : Individuals earning rental income above K800,000 annually will now pay 16%, up from the previous 12.5%. Turnover Tax : The turnover ...

 Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has issued a rallying cry to the opposition Tonse Alliance, urging them to intensify their political efforts as the 2025 general elections approach. Lungu declared that 2025 is not the year for political neutrality, emphasizing the need for collective action to provide robust checks and balances to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Speaking during the formal admission of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) into the Tonse Alliance, Lungu stressed the importance of building a united front. “2025 will be different. This is the time for action, not sitting on the fence. We must work together to protect our democracy and offer the Zambian people a strong alternative,” he said, urging other organizations to join the alliance and strengthen its base. FDD Vice President Chifumo Banda echoed Lungu’s sentiments, calling for unity of purpose among opposition parties. Banda underscored the importance of not underestimatin...