Tasila Lungu Appointed Tonse Alliance National Youth Chairperson

Tasila Lungu has been appointed National Youth Chairperson of the Tonse Alliance, placing her within the alliance’s senior leadership structure as it advances preparations for the 2026 general elections.

The opposition alliance confirmed that the appointment followed consultations involving senior leadership and other key stakeholders.

Tonse Alliance spokesperson Dr Lawrence Mwelwa said Ms Lungu was engaged during the consultation process and accepted the appointment after discussions with the alliance leadership.

He said the engagement took place in the presence of other stakeholders and that Ms Lungu gave her approval for the appointment to proceed, adding that she would personally issue confirmation.

Ms Lungu’s appointment assigns her responsibility for coordinating youth mobilisation, participation, and outreach across the country, a role that forms part of the alliance’s efforts to strengthen its organisational structures ahead of the 2026 polls.

The confirmation of her appointment follows a meeting of the Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders held on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Forum for Democracy and Development offices in Lusaka. The meeting, which began at 10:00 hours, was chaired by Tonse Alliance President and 2026 presidential candidate Brian Mundubile.

According to an official communiqué issued after the meeting, the Council of Leaders deliberated on organisational, electoral, and strategic matters affecting the alliance.

During the meeting, the Council received, deliberated upon, and approved a report on the Kasama by-elections presented by the alliance’s campaign manager. The Council expressed concern over incidents of intimidation, voter suppression, electoral violence, vote-buying, and institutional failures that it said affected the credibility of the electoral process.

Following the deliberations, the Council resolved that the Tonse Alliance would strengthen its electoral preparedness, mobilisation structures, and security response mechanisms ahead of future electoral contests.

The Council also received and approved the summary report of the Tonse Alliance General Congress and affirmed that all resolutions arising from the congress were valid and binding.

In addition, the Council approved the admission of new organisations into the Tonse Alliance. These include Youth Advocates for Development in Africa, the Tractor Movement, and the Centre for Mass Media Registration and Social Change. The Council also noted that the Liberal Democratic Party had pledged to return to the alliance after consultations with its leadership.

The Council further approved presidential appointments to the National Executive Politburo in accordance with Articles 10 and 12 of the Tonse Alliance Constitution.

Among the appointments confirmed were Prof. Danny Pule as National Chairman, Hon. Brendah Nyirenda as Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, and Ms Gift Kapila as Deputy Secretary General for Administration. Dr Lawrence Mwelwa was confirmed as Tonse Alliance Spokesperson, with Mr Kolala Mukupa appointed as Vice Spokesperson.

Ms Lungu’s appointment as National Youth Chairperson was confirmed alongside that of Mr Jason Mwanza as Deputy National Youth Chairman and Hon. Jean Chisenga as Deputy National Youth Chairlady.

Other appointments approved by the Council include Mr Debby Kambwa Aongola as National Legal Chairman, Dr Kafula Mubanga as National Chairperson for Energy, Mr Thomas Sipalo as National Chairperson for Arts, Music, Film and Entertainment, and Mr Nason Msoni as National Chairman for Foreign Affairs and External Relations.

The Council deferred the matter of provincial Tonse Alliance chairpersons, resolving that it would be considered after further deliberations and recommendations by the relevant portfolio committees.

The meeting also received a brief update on the draft Tonse Alliance consolidated manifesto, with the Council resolving that substantive discussion and approval would take place after consultations by the relevant portfolio committees.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to unity, democratic values, peaceful political participation, and the protection of its members and supporters as the alliance prepares for the 2026 general elections.