HH will fund his campaign using local resources, says UPND

The United Party for National Development has confirmed that President Hakainde Hichilema will finance his 2026 re-election campaign using local resources, with the clarification issued by Cornelius Mweetwa, who serves as both UPND and Government spokesperson.

Mweetwa said the President’s political and economic interests are firmly rooted within Zambia and that there is no basis for claims suggesting that the campaign would rely on foreign funding. He said the President has invested extensively in the country over many years and continues to demonstrate confidence in Zambia’s economic capacity.

He stated that the decision to fund the campaign locally reflects the governing party’s long-standing emphasis on domestic investment and national ownership of economic activity. According to Mweetwa, the President’s approach to campaign financing mirrors the principles the administration has promoted in public policy since assuming office.

The clarification comes amid growing public discussion around campaign financing as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2026 general election. Campaign funding has historically been a contentious issue in Zambia, often attracting scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society organisations concerned about transparency, sources of funds, and the influence of money on electoral outcomes.

Mweetwa said speculation around foreign funding tends to surface during election cycles and described the current claims as part of a familiar pattern. He said the President’s record shows sustained commitment to local investment and economic participation, making external campaign financing unnecessary.

He said funding a political campaign through domestic resources strengthens accountability to voters and reinforces the principle that political leadership should be sustained by the confidence and support of citizens. Mweetwa said political legitimacy is enhanced when campaign resources are drawn from within the country rather than external interests.

The UPND spokesperson also addressed concerns that often arise around the use of state resources during election periods. He said party activities and government operations remain distinct and that the ruling party is mindful of the legal and ethical boundaries governing campaign conduct. He said the party would continue to comply with all electoral and financial regulations applicable to campaign financing.

Mweetwa said the ruling party’s position on campaign funding aligns with the administration’s broader economic narrative, which has prioritised local production, domestic investment, and fiscal responsibility. He said the government has consistently encouraged Zambians to invest in their own economy and that political actors should reflect the same confidence in local capacity.

The issue of campaign funding has featured prominently in Zambia’s political history, with past elections marked by disputes over spending levels, funding sources, and alleged misuse of resources. Against this backdrop, statements on campaign financing tend to attract heightened attention from both supporters and critics.

Mweetwa said the President’s decision to rely on local resources also reflects trust in the Zambian electorate. He said political support should extend beyond casting ballots to include voluntary participation in lawful political activities, including fundraising efforts conducted in accordance with the law.

He added that the ruling party views transparency as essential in maintaining public trust during the electoral process. He said clarity on funding sources helps reduce suspicion and speculation while allowing voters to focus on policy choices and leadership records.

As preparations for the 2026 elections gradually intensify, campaign financing is expected to remain a recurring theme in political discourse. Parties across the political spectrum are likely to face questions regarding how they intend to resource their campaigns and the safeguards they have in place to ensure compliance with the law.

For the UPND, Mweetwa said the position is straightforward. He said President Hichilema’s campaign will be financed from within Zambia, consistent with the party’s stated principles and the administration’s emphasis on national ownership and economic self-reliance.

He said the ruling party remains focused on governance and service delivery, while recognising that electoral processes require openness and accountability. Mweetwa said clarity on campaign financing is part of that responsibility as the country moves closer to the next general election.