PF condemns Mung’andu for “desperate lies” as former MP stands by claims

LUSAKA — The Patriotic Front (PF) has launched a fierce rebuttal against its former Chama South member of Parliament, Davison Mung’andu, accusing him of spreading what it termed “wild and unbelievable falsehoods” in an attempt to ingratiate himself with President Hakainde Hichilema.

The dispute follows remarks made by Mung’andu during a rally addressed by President Hichilema at Choma Sports Club on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, where the former lawmaker alleged that the PF deliberately sabotaged Zambia’s economy ahead of the 2021 general elections to frustrate the incoming United Party for National Development (UPND) administration.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, PF Central Committee member Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba dismissed the claims as reckless and malicious. He accused Mung’andu of fabricating allegations to rewrite history and deflect responsibility for what the party described as the current government’s economic failures.

Among the most serious accusations raised by Mung’andu was a claim that a senior PF official transported $9 million in cash out of the country just one week before President Hichilema’s swearing-in on August 24, 2021. The PF described the allegation as baseless and politically motivated.

“It is ridiculous to blame President Hichilema’s monumental failures on the Patriotic Front,” Mwamba stated, attributing Zambia’s economic challenges to what he characterised as incompetence, inexperience, and policy decisions that favour foreign multinationals and a small group of beneficiaries.

The PF challenged Mung’andu to submit any evidence supporting his claims to law enforcement agencies, questioning why he had not reported the matter to the Drug Enforcement Commission or the Anti-Corruption Commission if the allegations were credible. The party said the absence of formal complaints undermined the authenticity of the accusations.

Mung’andu, however, has stood by his assertions. Addressing supporters in Choma, he maintained that PF’s final months in office were marked by economic mismanagement, including artificial shortages, manipulation of inflation data, and concealment of unsustainable debt levels. He accused the former administration of leaving the treasury depleted and the economy on the brink of collapse.

He further claimed that the alleged $9 million transfer was part of a broader pattern of last-minute asset stripping by outgoing officials, arguing that the economic difficulties inherited by the UPND were not accidental but deliberate.

In its response, the PF defended its development record, citing what it described as measurable achievements during its time in power. The party said national electricity generation capacity increased from about 1,600 megawatts in 2011 to 3,500 megawatts by 2021. It also pointed to the construction of more than 3,200 schools, 830 health facilities, 121 bridges, and approximately 14,000 kilometres of roads.

The PF further highlighted major infrastructure projects including the Solwezi–Chingola Dual Carriageway, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, and the Itezhi-Tezhi Hydropower Station, arguing that these developments contradict claims of deliberate economic sabotage.

Mung’andu countered that many of the projects were overbudget, underutilised, or financed through undisclosed borrowing. He referenced the 2021 debt disclosures that showed Zambia’s obligations had risen to more than $17 billion, much of it not previously presented to Parliament, a situation he said supported his claims of fiscal mismanagement.

The PF reminded the public that Mung’andu himself was elected to Parliament in 2021 on the PF ticket and benefited directly from the party’s political machinery and development record. The party accused him of abandoning his mandate for personal advancement, alleging that he had commercialised his political position.

Mung’andu rejected that characterisation, describing his political shift as a matter of conscience. He told supporters that had PF retained power after 2021, load-shedding would have worsened and inflation would have reached 50 percent, claims he said had been disproved by subsequent events.

The PF dismissed the remarks as theatrical and opportunistic, warning that such political defections undermine national unity as the country moves toward the 2026 general elections.

ZRA accused of internal collusion in Hilux sale to Archbishop Banda

LUSAKA — The Green Party (GP) has warned that the Zambia Revenue Authority risks triggering a nationwide tax boycott unless the government halts what it describes as a politically driven campaign against Lusaka Archbishop Dr Alick Banda and permits an independent investigation into allegations of internal fraud within the revenue agency.

GP president Peter Sinkamba said the state’s recent claims that official receipts connected to a disposed ZRA motor vehicle were falsified have gravely damaged public confidence in the tax authority and could destabilise Zambia’s entire revenue collection system.

Sinkamba expressed concern over reports involving former ZRA employee Mulopa Kaunda, who is alleged to be under pressure to state that official receipts were fabricated in his name to facilitate what authorities are now portraying as an unlawful sale or “gifting” of a Toyota Hilux to Archbishop Banda.

He described the situation as deeply troubling, particularly because the transaction in question had never been cited as irregular in any Auditor General’s report since 2021. Sinkamba questioned why allegations of falsification are emerging only now, suggesting either serious flaws in ZRA’s audit systems or deliberate timing for political purposes.

According to the GP leader, documentation surrounding the disposal of the vehicle indicates a legitimate transaction, yet the introduction of a falsified receipts narrative points to possible widespread internal collusion within ZRA. He warned that if such claims are accurate, they would signal unchecked abuse and systematic siphoning of public assets within one of the country’s most critical institutions.

Sinkamba said failure to independently verify or conclusively dismiss the allegations would leave taxpayers with little confidence in the integrity of the authority responsible for collecting public funds. In such circumstances, he argued, citizens would be justified in withholding tax payments until a comprehensive and transparent audit is conducted.

He cautioned that a tax boycott would have immediate and severe consequences, including a liquidity crisis that could disrupt essential public services such as healthcare, education, and security. Beyond domestic effects, he warned that a breakdown in revenue collection would undermine Zambia’s ability to service its national debt and could trigger negative responses from international credit rating agencies.

Sinkamba directly linked the unfolding situation to the government’s handling of Archbishop Banda’s case, arguing that the pursuit of the cleric has created economic risks far beyond the original allegations. He warned that continued escalation could result in widespread economic instability and long-term damage to public trust in state institutions.

He called on President Hakainde Hichilema to abandon what he described as an excessive focus on prosecuting Archbishop Banda, arguing that the political and economic costs now outweigh any perceived benefit. Sinkamba said ZRA’s credibility, once central to fiscal discipline, is now under threat.

Without immediate corrective action, including suspending politically charged investigations and appointing an impartial audit team, he warned that Zambia risks entering an economic spiral that could take years to reverse.

LUSAKA — New Heritage Party (NHP) president Chishala Kateka has called for the immediate revival of a dormant criminal prosecution file against United Party for National Development (UPND) secretary general Batuke Imenda, accusing the state of enforcing the law selectively and shielding ruling party officials from accountability.

Kateka was responding to Imenda’s public statement made during a press briefing on May 28, 2023, in which he referred to Lusaka Archbishop Dr Alick Banda as the “Lucifer of Zambia.” The remark was recorded, widely circulated across multiple media platforms, and was never withdrawn or apologised for.

Despite the public nature of the statement, the matter failed to proceed after the Director of Public Prosecutions declined to grant consent for prosecution when the case came before Magistrate Chanda on March 4, 2024. The DPP cited insufficient evidence, a decision that effectively stalled the matter. Since then, no further legal action has been taken.

Kateka described the inaction as a stark illustration of double standards in the administration of justice, arguing that speech by ruling party officials is treated with leniency while critics of government are subjected to aggressive prosecution.

She said the contrast became more pronounced following the recent summons of Archbishop Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission over a donated Toyota Hilux vehicle. In her view, the swift mobilisation of investigative machinery against the cleric stood in sharp opposition to the reluctance shown in pursuing a hate speech complaint against a senior ruling party figure.

According to Kateka, the imbalance sends a dangerous signal to the public that the law is applied based on political alignment rather than principle. She maintained that criticism of government attracts punitive responses, while derogatory language directed at religious leaders by those aligned to power is effectively tolerated.

The NHP leader argued that Imenda’s remarks went beyond mere insult and crossed into hate speech, given the position held by Archbishop Banda and the broader social role of the church in national discourse. She said the language used was deliberately dehumanising and intended to discredit a moral authority that has consistently spoken on governance, social justice, and economic accountability.

Kateka further noted that in other politically sensitive cases, courts and prosecutors have shown decisiveness, particularly where opposition figures are concerned. She said comparable or even lesser speech-related offences have resulted in arrests, prolonged court processes, and custodial sentences when the accused are outside the ruling party.

She accused the prosecutorial decision-making process of reflecting what she termed institutional capture, where constitutionally independent bodies operate in ways that appear aligned with executive interests. She extended this criticism to law enforcement agencies, arguing that their enforcement patterns demonstrate selective enthusiasm, acting swiftly against perceived critics while exercising restraint when allies are implicated.

“The matter is not dormant because there is no evidence,” Kateka said. “It is dormant because of political convenience.”

She warned that when the law ceases to operate uniformly, it loses legitimacy and becomes an instrument of power rather than justice. In such circumstances, she said, public confidence in democratic institutions is steadily eroded, creating long-term risks for civic trust and constitutional governance.

Kateka said the continued failure to act on the Imenda case reinforces perceptions that statutes exist in form rather than substance, applied rigorously against some citizens and ignored when politically exposed individuals are involved.

She called on the Director of Public Prosecutions to reopen the file and subject the matter to judicial scrutiny, insisting that equality before the law must be demonstrated, not merely proclaimed.

At the centre of the controversy, she said, are three interconnected developments: the stalled prosecution over Imenda’s remarks, the active deployment of investigative agencies against Archbishop Banda, and the broader pattern of selective application of criminal justice mechanisms.

Her demand, she stressed, was straightforward: revive the case, apply the law evenly, and restore public confidence in the rule of law.

Makebi Zulu pledges unity and economic stewardship during courtesy call

Zambia’s Aspiring presidential candidate Makebi Zulu has pledged to prioritise national unity, economic recovery, and responsible leadership, saying the next generation of leaders must build on existing foundations rather than dismantle them.

Speaking during a courtesy call at the residence of elder statesman Nason Msoni, Makebi Zulu expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support extended to him, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility.

Mr. Msoni welcomed Makebi Zulu and praised his decision to step forward at a time when the country is facing what he described as a leadership deficit, noting that many capable young leaders have retreated from public service.

“We are grappling with a deficit of leadership in our country because many promising young men are shunning roles of leadership,” Mr. Msoni said. “That is why we are happy, absolutely happy, to see that you have put yourself forward for the office of President.”

He encouraged Makebi Zulu to remain steadfast, stating that Zambia needed patriots willing to serve, and expressed confidence that voters would make their choice at the appropriate time.

Mr. Msoni further invoked faith in his remarks, wishing Makebi Zulu well and praying that what may appear impossible would be made possible through perseverance and divine guidance.

In his response, Makebi Zulu acknowledged the role played by senior leaders in shaping the country’s political foundation and said the obligation of the current generation was to deliver results that meet and exceed the expectations of the people.

“Our obligation is to deliver according to the expectations of our elders, and even more, in appreciation of the great work that has been done in the past in setting the foundation,” Makebi Zulu said. “Our duty is to build on those foundations and not break them.”

He emphasised that economic challenges facing the country required trust, discipline, and competence, assuring Zambians that his leadership would focus on safeguarding livelihoods and restoring confidence.

“We need to prove that we can be trusted to take care of the people,” he said. “You can trust us to take care of agriculture, to address the energy situation, and to deal with all other national challenges.”

Makebi Zulu also underscored the importance of unity, warning against divisions rooted in tribe or region and reaffirming his commitment to inclusivity.

“We must unite everyone and bring everyone together,” he said. “We have one Zambia and one nation.”

Zambia’s economy has shown signs of renewed stability following periods of volatility, particularly in the exchange rate and inflation, Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has said, while acknowledging that the cost of living continues to place pressure on households.

Addressing journalists during a media briefing in Lusaka, Musokotwane said recent economic performance pointed to improved stability after difficult years marked by sharp fluctuations. He said the developments had brought some relief to businesses, consumers, and investors, even as government remained cautious about underlying vulnerabilities.

He said the administration was focused on managing the exchange rate in a balanced manner that takes into account the needs of importers who rely on foreign currency and exporters who earn in dollars. Both groups, he said, were central to sustained economic growth, and policy had to ensure neither side was disproportionately affected.

At the same briefing, Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya reaffirmed that all domestic transactions in Zambia would continue to be conducted in the local currency, the kwacha. He said the position remained unchanged and formed a core pillar of the country’s monetary policy framework.

Kalyalya explained that allowing the widespread use of foreign currencies for domestic trade weakened the effectiveness of monetary policy and increased pressure on foreign exchange demand. He said foreign currency was intended for external transactions such as imports, and not for the buying and selling of goods and services within the country.

The government’s position on currency management has come under renewed public scrutiny following its decision to accept the Chinese yuan, also known as the renminbi, for the payment of a limited portion of mining taxes and royalties. The Ministry of Finance has since clarified that the arrangement is narrowly defined and applies only to a small share of tax obligations.

Musokotwane said settlements in Chinese currency were currently applicable to four Chinese-owned mines and were designed to help Zambia minimise conversion costs when servicing debt obligations to China. He said the majority of Zambia’s external debt was owed to China, making it prudent to build yuan reserves for smoother and more cost-effective transactions.

He said the measure was driven by fiscal prudence rather than geopolitical alignment, adding that any savings realised through reduced conversion costs could be redirected toward public priorities such as health, education, and student support. He said the approach reflected the administration’s emphasis on saving resources in order to serve citizens more effectively.

The Ministry of Finance further clarified that only about 15 percent of total mining tax obligations would be paid in Chinese currency. Musokotwane said the cap was deliberate and formed part of a measured strategy to manage currency exposure while preserving stability in public finances.

He said the bulk of mining taxes would continue to be paid in established currencies used for budgeting and expenditure planning, with safeguards in place to ensure predictability in government revenue. The use of yuan, he said, was targeted rather than a wholesale shift in tax policy.

Musokotwane said the decision followed discussions on how to manage transactions involving Chinese firms and suppliers within the mining value chain. He said many mining companies transact with a range of suppliers and financiers linked to China, and the limited acceptance of Chinese currency would help streamline certain transactions without undermining the integrity of the tax system.

He dismissed concerns that the policy amounted to a broader move toward collecting taxes predominantly in Chinese currency, saying the framework clearly restricted the scope of such payments. He said the Treasury had assessed risks related to currency volatility and designed the policy to avoid undue exposure by keeping the proportion relatively small.

Separately, Musokotwane acknowledged that despite signs of macroeconomic stabilisation, the cost of living remained a significant concern for many Zambian households. Reflecting on the 2026 national budget themed “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous Resilient and Equitable Zambia,” he said government was approaching the issue with humility and honesty.

He said lingering effects of climate shocks had contributed to electricity shortages, disrupting domestic life and business operations and constraining production. He added that many micro and small enterprises continued to struggle to access affordable financing, while a significant number of young people were still seeking stable and meaningful employment.