Democratic Party (DP), leader Judith Kabemba has called on Zambians to uphold unity, reject tribalism and safeguard the country’s peace as the nation commemorates Africa Freedom Day.

ZANIS reports that Ms Kabemba described Africa Freedom Day as a significant occasion not only in Zambia’s history but across the African continent, stressing the need to honor the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who fought for independence.

Ms Kabemba observes that the day serves as a reminder of the struggles endured by forefathers, including the bloodshed and suffering they experienced in the fight for freedom.

She noted that it is now the responsibility of the current generation to protect the freedom attained and preserve national unity and togetherness.

The opposition leader told ZANIS today in an interview during the commemorations of Africa Freedom Day.

“We do not want to take for granted the work that was done by our forefathers, the blood that was shed and all the wounds that they suffered.

It is our responsibility now to guard this freedom, guard unity and guard oneness,” she said.

Ms Kabemba further appealed to citizens not to allow tribalism and political differences to divide the country, saying love should unite the Zambian people as opposed to hatred and tribalism that allegedly separates them.

She urged political players and their supporters in the country to promote issue-based campaigns and avoid violence.

She said the electoral period should not be characterised by conflict, intimidation and bloodshed but should instead provide an opportunity for political parties to present their manifestos and development agendas to the people.

“This is not a time for violence, bloodshed or conflict. It is time for political players to go out and tell the people what they are able to do, and the people of Zambia will decide because the best team always wins,” she said.

Ms Kabemba also commended aspiring candidates who participated in the adoption process in both the ruling party and opposition political parties, saying the competition demonstrated true democracy and hard work.

She however, urged unsuccessful aspirants that were not adopted in the just ended nominations to continue supporting their party and work alongside adopted candidates, adding that opportunities remain open in future.

“There is always tomorrow. To those candidates that were not adopted by their parties, do not despair, do not give up and do not feel left out because only God knows what tomorrow holds,” she said.

Ms Kabemba encouraged members to remain committed to the party and maintain unity as the country heads towards the 2026 elections.

Recently, the opposition leader, who is also UPND Alliance member endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema for the 2026 general elections.

She pledged the DP’s support FOR President Hichilema’s election bid citing good governance style, anti-corruption efforts, and performance in sectors like mining and education.

She noted that Zambia remains in safe hands under President Hichilema’s leadership.

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Tuesday Bwalya, has called for peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2026 General elections.

ZANIS reports that Dr Bwalya says there is need to uphold peace and unity in the Province in the run up to the August polls.

He indicated that need for peace so that people can elect leaders of their choice.

The Permanent Secretary said this in an interview with journalists after gracing the 2026 African Freedom Day commemorations held at the cenotaph in Chinsali District.

Dr Bwalya stated that the occasion is a reminder of the significance of the freedom and peace that the country enjoys.

He charged that Muchinga Province does not expect any forms of violence during campaigns because it respects the democratic process of choosing its leaders.

“We need to campaign in a peaceful manner and we don’t need to fight but just to sell developmental ideas responsibly,” he added.

Dr Bwalya further indicated that security wings in the province to remain alert and to maintaining law and order during this period.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary has emphasised the need for the Province to improve water and sanitation issues in line with this year’s African Freedom Day commemorations.

He explained that there will be no real freedom if people continue to struggle with access to water.

“This is why I have been visiting institutions to ensure that we improve water and sanitations to our people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Chairperson for Freedom Fighters, Greyson Katongo urged youths to promote peace and unity in the country.

Mr Katongo stated that the country depends on youths who are future leaders to have a positive attitude and help promote unity as was demonstrated by freedom fighters.

“I’m calling upon all our young leaders to always uphold peace and unity in Chinsali and Muchinga at large,” he added.

The 2026 Africa Freedom Day commemorations were being held under the theme, Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in Mpulungu District in Northern Province has assured the electorate of its commitment to maintaining impartiality and transparency in the upcoming election process.

Electoral Commissioner of Zambia Mpulungu District Electoral Officer, Sarah Masiye, emphasised that the commission is dedicated to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election for all Zambians.

Speaking yesterday after the development of the campaign timetable in Mpulungu district, Ms Masiye assured the public that all electoral activities will be conducted in accordance with the law, without any bias or favoritism towards any political party or independent candidate.

She highlighted the measures that the ECZ has put in place to uphold neutrality, including the deployment of impartial election observers and strict adherence to electoral guidelines stating that the commission has conducted extensive training for staff and officials.

“The Commission has conducted training that covers handling voter registration, ballot counting, and dispute resolution procedures throughout the training of the conflict manage committee and we do understand that you have concerns regarding potential biases and election integrity but we can assure you that the staff has been taught on how to handle the general election,” she said.

Ms Masiye added that the Commission operates independently and is accountable to the Zambian people hence all complaints and concerns will be thoroughly investigated, and any misconduct or irregularities will be dealt with decisively to maintain public confidence.

She revealed that the Electoral Commissioner of Zambia has taken steps to ensure transparency in the electoral process by involving multiple stakeholders who include political parties, civil society organisations who have their presence in the district.

She explained that the presence of the groups aims to monitor the election proceedings and provide independent assessments of the fairness and transparency of the process.

Ms Masiye expressed confidence that such collaborative efforts will reinforce the credibility of the elections and reassured voters that their votes will be protected and counted accurately.

Meanwhile, Mpulungu Police Station Officer in Charge, Hosea Kabwe, also assured candidates that the police will ensure the safety of both property and people during the campaign period.

Mr Kabwe said the ECZ, the Zambia Police, and other stakeholders will continue to educate the public on the importance of participating peacefully and responsibly in the voting procedures.

He added that people need to follow the laid down rules in order to avoid being apprehended.

“Our primary goal is to ensure a safe and fair voting environment for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation and so I would like to reassure the public that law enforcement officers will remain neutral and professional throughout the election period,” Mr Kabwe explained.

And community leaders and election officials have welcomed the police department’s assurances, expressing confidence in their ability to maintain law and order without influence from political pressure.

Iyendwe Ward aspiring candidate, Simon Chifunda, noted that the presence of impartial law enforcement officers is crucial for encouraging voter confidence and participation in the voting procedures.

Mr Chifunda said this time around, elections in Mpulungu district will be different as candidates have the capacity to communicate messages of peace and love to their supporters thereby promoting peaceful elections.

President Hakainde Hichilema has honored and awarded several distinguished Zambians in recognition of their exceptional contributions and dedicated service to the country.

ZANIS reports that the honors were presented during an investiture ceremony held at State House today as part of activities to commemorate Africa Freedom Day that is observed annually on May 25^th.

President Hichilema honored 15 individuals and one institution, Lundazi Secondary School, with recipients drawn from different sectors of society.

The awardees included seven women and eight men recognised for their contribution to Zambia’s development, unity, bravery, sovereignty and public service.

Among the notable recipients was the late, Ackson Sejani, who was posthumously awarded the Order of the Eagle of Zambia Second Division.

Mr Sejani was a veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister who served for more than three decades and represented Mapatizya Constituency as Member of Parliament for four terms in Zimba district in Southern Province.

Cervical Cancer survivor and Cancer Ambassador, Karen Nakawala received the President’s Insignia in recognition of her advocacy efforts against Cervical Cancer.

Ms Nakawala has consistently championed awareness campaigns and promoted early screening, maintaining that no woman should lose her life to a preventable disease.

In the Order of Distinguished Service First Division category, honors were bestowed on Ellie Nzovu, Dr Plyson Muzumara and the late Kapelwa Sikota.

Recipients of the Grand Champion of Freedom Second Division award were, Rosemary Ngulube and Jacob Kapanga Mwila.

Meanwhile, the late Godfrey Shula and the late Chipasha Chola were posthumously honored with the Grand Champion of Freedom Third Division award.

The President’s Insignia of Honor was awarded to William Lublinkhof alongside musicians Emmanuel Chola and Edward Mpundu for their contributions in their respective fields of using music to champion hard work and resilience.

The Head of State also recognised Kenney Sikalongwe, a nurse from Zimba District, with the President’s Insignia of Mercy for assisting a pregnant woman during childbirth.

Lundazi Secondary School received the President’s Insignia of Meritorious Achievement in recognition of its production unit initiative promoting food and nutrition security.

Also honoured under the same category were educationist, Mafunanse  Malenga, proprietor of a private aviation learning institution, and agronomist as well as young commercial farmer, Elizabeth Manda Sianga, who has trained more than 10,000 commercial farmers.

The colourful ceremony attracted high-profile attendance including First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, Vice President Mutale Nalumango, defence Chiefs, traditional and church leaders, former Cabinet Ministers, freedom fighters, Senior Government officials, members of the ruling party and citizens from various walks of life.

The event celebrated the spirit of patriotism, sacrifice, compassion and dedication that continues to shape Zambia’s development.

Meanwhile, Freedom Fighter, Betty Chilunga said the contributions of both departed and living national heroes should inspire citizens to uphold service, sacrifice and unity.

Ms Chilunga noted that peace and stability remain valuable national assets that must be protected and urged Zambians to embrace dialogue, hard work and unity to support the country’s economic growth agenda.

Africa Freedom Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now known as the African Union, and highlights Africa’s continued pursuit of peace, integration and sustainable development.

This year’s Africa Freedom Day was being commemorated under the theme “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve goals for agenda 2063.”