UPND’s Longwe Calls Sampa Conduct ‘Ungrateful’ Amid PF Divisions

UPND’s Longwe Calls Sampa Conduct ‘Ungrateful’ Amid PF Divisions

LUSAKA, April 9, 2026 — A long-serving United Party for National Development member has criticised Miles Sampa’s conduct, describing it as damaging and unfair, while linking the situation to ongoing divisions within the Patriotic Front.

Charles Longwe, speaking during an interview on Hot FM, said developments within the opposition party reflect disorder and internal strain tied to leadership disputes and factional alignments. He described the situation as “chaos unleashed” and pointed to what he termed a breakdown in loyalty within party structures.

Longwe said Patriotic Front members had exercised restraint in their handling of Sampa but argued that his actions had contributed to tensions now visible across the party. He stated that citizens and political actors alike are expected to demonstrate loyalty and patriotism in their conduct.

“I do have an opinion and I see that as chaos unleashed, disorder and also disloyalty to the party,” Longwe said during the interview.

He added that his remarks were grounded in personal familiarity, noting that he and Sampa share a long-standing relationship, but maintained that this did not prevent him from expressing concern over recent developments.

“But Miles’ conduct is devastating. I don’t understand an individual like that. He’s ungrateful,” Longwe said.

The remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing disputes within the Patriotic Front involving rival factions and questions surrounding party leadership, including matters linked to the Registry of Societies. These disputes have led to competing claims over authority and direction within the party.

Longwe said the Patriotic Front had previously extended opportunities to Sampa despite his political movements between parties. He referred to Sampa’s return to PF and subsequent roles, including serving as Lusaka mayor and later being adopted as a parliamentary candidate.

“Patriotic Front was gracious to Miles… and still allowed him, he served as mayor of this city,” he said.

He stated that such opportunities should be met with a sense of responsibility, adding that repeated disagreements and public confrontations had strained relationships within the party.

Longwe also raised concerns about Members of Parliament whom he said were navigating political alignments in ways that lacked clarity. He argued that elected officials should take clear positions regarding party affiliation, particularly where questions of loyalty arise.

“I can tell you something. And I dare them to resign. They should resign,” he said.

He rejected suggestions that procedural processes alone should determine such matters, stating that individual responsibility remained central to political conduct.

“They are playing games… Those kind of things is what I call lawlessness. They are taking advantage of that process,” Longwe said.

According to Longwe, the remaining parliamentary calendar may limit the ability of formal processes to address such issues before the current session concludes. He said this creates a situation where unresolved questions about party allegiance could persist into the electoral period.

He added that individuals who identify with a political party should do so openly and without ambiguity.

“You can’t be eating with both hands,” he said, referring to lawmakers who maintain links to different political positions.

Longwe also spoke about internal expectations within the UPND, stating that loyalty and long-term commitment remain central to party participation. He cited his own experience, noting that he had spent over two decades in opposition without holding a government position.

“We stayed 23 years in opposition. We’ve paid the price,” he said.

He added that party members are expected to demonstrate commitment, even where immediate benefits are not apparent.

Longwe further indicated that individuals who do not clearly align themselves with party structures may face challenges in future candidate selection processes. He said that under leadership structures he associates with, such conduct would be taken into account when considering adoption for elections.

“These members of parliament who are behaving like this… they will not be adopted on UPND ticket,” he said.

The comments highlight ongoing political realignments as parties prepare for upcoming electoral processes, with internal discipline, party loyalty and leadership disputes remaining central issues across Zambia’s political landscape.