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The Bishop of Monze Diocese, Raphael Mweempwa, has urged Christians and members of the community in Itezhi-Tezhi district to uphold morality, peace, and the value of education as he concluded his three-day working visit to the district.

Right Reverend Mweempwa has also encouraged all eligible citizens to register to vote, saying it was their civic duty and a matter of faith to do so.

“It is your right to choose the leaders that you want. It is an act of faith in our church to choose worldly leaders,” he said.

He said elections should be conducted in peace and must be free from insults or tribalism, adding that persons who engage in such behaviour have no manifesto.

Bishop Mweempwa also expressed concern over the growing number of girls who become pregnant or are forced into early marriages before completing their education.

He has since called on parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children’s future.

“Education is the greatest equaliser. Feel guilty when marrying off young girls, with the government offering free education, your child drops out of school. Let us all encourage our children to stay in school,” he said.

Bishop Mweempwa has meanwhile condemned gender-based violence and immoral behaviour, particularly among adults who exploit young girls, saying such actions erode the moral fabric of society.

“Others are sleeping with young girls. They don’t show respect to young people and girls. What kind of a country do we want to build if our behaviour is like this?” he wondered.

Bishop Mweempwa further condemned the stigmatisation and attacks against elderly people accused of witchcraft, calling it a grave injustice that contradicts Christian values.

“No one has the right to end anyone’s life. Let us not despise or harm others on suspicion of witchcraft. We should all live in love and show humanity,” he emphasised.

He also appealed to community members, government representatives, and traditional leaders to unite against such harmful practices.

“Let us work together to bring this to an end. Our yardstick should always be whether what we do is right or wrong,” he stated.

Bishop Mweempwa also reminded the faithful that true Christianity is lived daily, not just displayed in church, and that the maturity of the church should be seen in daily life through love, respect, and how people treat one another.

Meanwhile, Itezhi-Tezhi Member of Parliament, Twaambo Mutinta, thanked the Bishop and the Catholic Church for the continued spiritual and moral support to the district.

Grade 7 girl defiled, impregnated

Feature General

Guest Editor

October 22, 2025

A 14-year-old grade seven pupil at a named school in Kazungula district has been defiled and impregnated by a suspect only identified as Mbaimbai aged between 20 and 30 years old.

Kazungula Police Station received the report yesterday around 17:27 hours from the mother of the victim and a resident of Simasiku village in chief Sekute’s area.

The mother of the victim alleged that the suspect is from Ng’andu village within the same chiefdom.

According to Southern Province Police Commanding Officer, Auxensio Daka who confirmed the report in a statement, the incident is believed to have occurred on an unknown date and time but in Simasiku village.

“Brief facts of the matter are that a female relative of the victim suspected that the child was pregnant due to noticeable physical changes. She raised the concern with the victim’s mother, who then questioned her daughter. The victim initially denied having any contact with a man,” said Mr Daka.

He said the victim was later taken to Kazungula District Hospital for a pregnant test which confirmed that she was four months pregnant.

Upon further inquiries, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually involved with the suspect whom she had met while returning from her grandmother’s village.

Mr Daka said the victim stated that the suspect had proposed a relationship which she had accepted and that she later visited him at his home and thereafter, continued engaging in sexual intercourse until she became pregnant.

“A docket of defilement has been opened. No arrest has been made yet but investigations into the matter are ongoing,” Mr Daka said.

Western Province PS explains state-owned enterprise bill

General News

Guest Editor

October 22, 2025

Western Province PS explains state-owned enterprise bill

Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Akapelwa, has said the state-owned enterprise bill is important because it is aimed at strengthening governance, ownership and performance of state owned enterprises in Zambia.

Mr Akapelwa said the state owned enterprise bill will also address other persistent weaknesses in state owned enterprises.

He said the development of this bill is anchored firmly on the recently revised state owned enterprise policy which was approved by Cabinet in October, 2024.

He said that the policy sets out clear vision reforms aimed at ensuring that the state owned enterprises do not only fulfill their mandates effectively but also contribute meaningfully to the economy.

The Permanent Secretary said this in a speech read for him by Western Province Acting Assistant Secretary, Mubitelela Sililo, during the consultative workshop on the draft state owned enterprise bill.

Unknown people steal laptops from hospital in Lundazi

Rural News

Guest Editor

October 22, 2025

Unknown people steal laptops from hospital in Lundazi

Unknown people have broken into the data room of the Antiretroviral Therapy department at Old Lundazi Urban Hospital and got away with two laptops and a laptop bag all valued about K60,000.

The break-in happened on October 21, 2025 between 13:10 hours and 13:40 hours.

Nurse-In-Charge of the department, Tinizge Phiri aged 42 of Jimusangu village, in Chief Phikamalaza’s area in Lundazi district, reported the matter to police on behalf of the institution.

And Eastern Province Police Commissioner, Robertson Mweemba, has confirmed the incident to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lundazi.

Mr Mweemba explained that unknown persons had broken into the facility and stole two black Lenovo laptops and a black laptop bag belonging to Old Lundazi Urban Hospital.

The theft is alleged to have happened when the Nurse-In-Charge and some officers left the office around 13:00 hours to go and have their lunch, leaving others still in the unit.

He said upon returning to the unit around 13:40 hours, one of the workers at the facility, Oscar Tonga, found the door to the data room open, which is usually kept closed when no one is at the unit.

Mr Mweemba said Tonga proceeded to check if there was someone in the data room but there was no one.

At this point, it was discovered that laptops belonging to the facility were missing and the matter reported to police.

He said police have since opened a docket of the case and investigations into the matter have been instituted.

Meanwhile, no arrest has been made yet.

Chinsali council orders venders to vacate streets

General News

Guest Editor

October 22, 2025

Chinsali council orders venders to vacate streets

The Chinsali Municipal Council in Muchinga Province has ordered vendors operating along the roadside in the Central Business District (CBD) to vacate the areas with immediate effect.

Chinsali Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations Manager, Lolavye Simukoko, says the traders are operating in undesignated areas which are not marked by the local authority as safe trading places.

Speaking to the media in an interview in Chinsali, Mr Simukoko stated that the Chinsali main market has enough trading spaces for the traders, charging that operating along the road side is against the law.

“We have made available and adequate trading spaces within the main market and we are encouraging these marketers to utilise these spaces,” he added.

He explained that the local authority has put up measures that are part of the council’s efforts to curb illegal street vending as well as to promote public health, safety and order which is being implemented in accordance with Statutory Instrument Number 12 of 2018.

The Chinsali Council Municipal Assistant Public Relations Manager further warned that failure to comply with the directive to voluntarily vacate the undesignated trading places will attract enforcement measures.

And Chinsali Acting-District Commissioner, Brenda Silwembe, advised the illegal traders to immediately move to designated trading places to avoid being in conflict with the law.

Ms Silwembe said trading along the roadside, especially near the Chinsali main market, poses great danger to the traders.

She added that the increasing number of illegal traders has also contributed to the level of traffic congestion along the main market road.

“We do not want to record fatalities because people do not want to follow the law, so I want to encourage them to go back to their allocated trading places,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mavis Kapembwa, who is one of the illegal traders, on the contrary lamented that there is not enough trading space within the market for the vendors to operate from.

In a seemingly contradictory statement, Ms Kapembwa stated that the spaces available in the market are located in places where it is difficult to attract customers.

She has since appealed to the council to identify a new open area for the traders to conduct their businesses from.

She however acknowledged that trading along the roadside is very dangerous due to the vehicles on the roads.

Woman loses property worth over K9,000 in inferno

General News

Guest Editor

October 22, 2025

Woman loses property worth over K9,000 in inferno

A 22-year-old woman of Mkakeni village in chief Magodi’s area in Chasefu district in Eastern Province has lost property worth over K9, 000 in a suspected case of arson.

The incident is believed to be linked to a marital dispute involving the victim and her co-wife, following tensions with their husband.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident and identified the victim as Tryness Nyirenda, who reported the matter to Nkhanga Police Post on October 20, 2025.

Mr Mweemba stated that the incident occurred on October 19, 2025, at around 21:00 hours while Ms Nyirenda and her husband, Phillip Miti, 25, were chatting in the house.

“Ms Nyirenda told police that she heard footsteps outside their two-roomed thatched house and stepped outside thinking it was a visitor, but only saw a female figure running into the nearby bush. Moments later, fire was seen on the rooftop,” Mr Mweemba explained.

He said Mr Miti managed to escape unhurt, but all efforts to put out the fire failed and all property was completely destroyed.

He further disclosed that Ms Nyirenda strongly suspects her co-wife, Esther Nyirongo, who resides about 50 metres away from her house, as the one who torched the grass thatched house.

Mr Mweemba said Ms Nyirongo is believed to have been upset following a recent disagreement with their husband, who had threatened her with divorce and had reportedly stopped visiting her for two days.

He added that the suspect locked herself inside her house and refused to speak when confronted.

Police officers visited the scene and confirmed the presence of burnt household items.

A docket has since been opened and an arrest has also been made.

Accountants challenged to embrace sustainability, risk management

General News

Guest Editor

October 22, 2025

Accountants challenged to embrace sustainability, risk management

The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) has called on accounting professionals to embrace sustainability and risk management practices as part of their evolving roles in today’s business environment.

ZICA Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Bwembya, noted that the roles and responsibilities of accountants are rapidly changing in response to the global challenges brought about by climate change.

Mr Bwembya said the professional landscape has shifted, making it imperative for accountants to become key players in driving sustainable business practices and ensuring that organisations operate responsibly.

He was speaking during the Sustainability and Risk Management Reporting Workshop in Livingstone.

Mr Bwembya further observed that the duties of financial professionals have expanded beyond traditional financial reporting, encompassing the integration of environmental, social, and governance factors into business decisions.

He emphasised that sustainability issues must be embraced within the accounting profession, as accountants play a vital role in influencing how businesses adopt and report on sustainable initiatives.

Mr Bwembya has since reaffirmed ZICA’s commitment to promoting sustainability within the profession, urging accountants to lead the way in shaping a resilient and environmentally responsible corporate culture.

“Accountants are now at the heart of how organisations respond to sustainability challenges,” he said.

He added that accountants’ influence is crucial in guiding businesses toward long-term, ethical, and sustainable growth.

$110 million beverage factory to create 2,000 jobs – Trade Kings

Economy
Feature Economy

Lusaka Times Editor

October 22, 2025

$110 million beverage factory to create 2,000 jobs – Trade Kings

President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned a new US$110 million beverage manufacturing plant built by Trade Kings Group, praising the investment as a vote of confidence in Zambia’s economic environment and a sign that private-sector growth is gathering momentum under his administration.

The growth of companies like Trade Kings Zambia highlights the potential for economic expansion in the region.

The state-of-the-art facility, located in Lusaka’s Multi-Facility Economic Zone, is expected to create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and increase the country’s export capacity for non-alcoholic beverages across the region.

President Hichilema said the investment demonstrates that local and international investors now have renewed faith in Zambia’s stability and business climate. “This project shows that when we fix the fundamentals of the economy, the private sector responds with confidence,” he said during the commissioning ceremony.

He emphasised that the government’s focus on predictable policies, sound macroeconomic management, and anti-corruption reforms had restored credibility among business operators. “We have shown consistency in managing public resources, and this is the outcome companies are expanding, jobs are being created, and our economy is growing,” he said.

Trade Kings Group Chairperson Afzal Motiwala said the new beverage plant was built with cutting-edge technology and designed to meet both local and international production standards. He said the project was part of the company’s long-term strategy to increase Zambia’s manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imported beverages.

“This investment is a reaffirmation of our belief in Zambia’s potential and our confidence in its leadership,” Motiwala said. “The facility will serve both domestic consumers and regional export markets, boosting Zambia’s competitiveness in the SADC region.”

He added that the plant would initially focus on producing carbonated drinks, bottled water, and energy beverages before diversifying into fruit juices and health-based drinks. “We are here to manufacture locally, employ Zambians, and export Zambian-made products to the world,” he said.

President Hichilema urged other local and foreign investors to emulate Trade Kings’ example, saying Zambia’s restructured debt framework and stable exchange rate had opened the door for long-term investment. “This is the time to invest in Zambia. The private sector is the engine of growth, and our role as government is to create an enabling environment,” he said.

He highlighted that the manufacturing sector remains central to the country’s economic transformation agenda, which targets job creation and value addition. “Industrialisation is not a slogan it is our roadmap to shared prosperity,” the President said.

The President also commended Trade Kings for its continued corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly in education and health. He said partnerships between government and the private sector are essential in building sustainable communities.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the business community, and representatives of the Zambia Development Agency, who described the investment as one of the largest industrial projects completed in the past five years.

Trade Kings began operations in 1995 and has since grown into one of Zambia’s largest conglomerates, employing thousands in food, beverage, and personal-care manufacturing.

Hichilema reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting industries that expand production and create jobs. “Our message is simple, Zambia is open for business, and this investment is proof that confidence has returned,” he said.

Chungu tells HH: hand back PF before preaching unity

Headlines

Lusaka Times Editor

October 22, 2025

Chungu tells HH: hand back PF before preaching unity

Former Luanshya Member of Parliament Steve Chungu has said genuine reconciliation in Zambia will only be possible if President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration return the Patriotic Front (PF) to what he called its rightful owners, the PF.

Mr Chungu said President Hichilema’s message of national unity delivered during the recent National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation would remain hollow if the government continues to “usurp control” of the opposition party, PF, through what he described as political manipulation.

“Let Hichilema and the State give the PF back to its original owners. Then we’ll see true reconciliation among families and across the country,” Chungu said. “If there is to be genuine healing, the President must demonstrate goodwill by ensuring that the PF party is restored to its legitimate leadership.”

He accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of fostering division by allegedly using the Registrar of Societies to interfere in the PF’s internal affairs. “The Registrar must be free from UPND influence so that Zambians can live as one. Political interference in opposition parties is destroying trust and democracy,” he said.

Chungu also voiced concern over what he called ongoing injustices against opposition members, alleging that many PF supporters were languishing in prison while their cases remained unresolved. “So many of our people are suffering in prisons today. So many court cases remain pending. This government must show mercy and fairness if it claims to stand for unity,” he said.

He added that reconciliation could not be achieved through speeches alone. “Reconciliation is not a slogan. It must be demonstrated in action by restoring justice, ending persecution, and allowing political freedom,” Chungu said.

The former MP further urged government leaders to permit opposition rallies and political activities without police intimidation, citing an increase in abductions and politically motivated attacks. “Abductions are happening during the day, shared all over social media, yet the government has not condemned such acts. People are living in fear,” he said.

He argued that the unity Zambia once enjoyed across party lines has deteriorated under Hichilema’s watch, warning that continued hostility would deepen public mistrust ahead of the 2026 general elections. “We need oneness. We need unity. Elections or governance should not divide us,” he said.

Chungu also cautioned that moral leadership must be restored before the next polls. “Leaders come and go, but the nation remains. We must ensure no blood is shed over politics. Zambia is a Christian nation, and our political disputes must never cost lives,” he added.

He called on citizens to hold leaders accountable and to demand fairness in the governance process. “The government must act now to restore trust and unity or face accountability from the people next year,” he warned.

While State House did not immediately respond to his remarks, UPND supporters have previously dismissed similar accusations as baseless, saying the administration does not interfere with opposition party affairs.

Chungu, however, insisted that the government’s actions contradict its rhetoric on democracy and reconciliation. “You can’t preach forgiveness when you continue to persecute your rivals. Return the PF, and then we’ll talk reconciliation,” he said.

His comments come as Zambia’s political climate remains tense, with the PF divided between rival leadership factions and multiple cases before the courts over control of the party.

UPND cadres storm Kabwata Police, attack PF officials in voter dispute

Feature Politics
General News

Lusaka Times Editor

October 22, 2025

UPND cadres storm Kabwata Police, attack PF officials in voter dispute

Tension flared in Lusaka on Monday when alleged United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres attacked opposition Patriotic Front (PF) officials inside Kabwata Police Station, injuring at least two people and freeing a detained youth leader.

According to eyewitnesses and party officials, the incident occurred around 16:00 hours after PF Central Committee member Danny Bwalya Yenga and Kabwata Constituency chairperson John Kabulo escorted a suspect, identified as Remmy Milumbi, to the station. Milumbi, the Kabwata UPND vice youth chairperson, had earlier been apprehended by PF members at Kamulanga Secondary School voter registration centre after allegedly attempting to register using two different National Registration Cards (NRCs).

Yenga, who also serves as the PF deputy national mobilisation chairperson, said the group peacefully took Milumbi and the two NRCs to police but were made to wait for more than an hour before chaos erupted.

“We handed him over to the officer-in-charge with evidence. As we waited, a gang of UPND cadres armed with pangas and sticks stormed the station. They started beating us in full view of the police before dragging Milumbi away,” Yenga narrated. “They sped off with him while officers watched helplessly.”

He alleged that the attack was part of a wider scheme to interfere with the ongoing voter registration exercise, warning that such incidents could compromise the credibility of the 2026 general elections. “We can only speculate that similar schemes are happening elsewhere. This is why we have resolved to monitor the process countrywide,” he said.

The PF mobilisation team has since appealed to the Zambia Police Service and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Police sources at Kabwata Station confirmed that there was a “disturbance” involving rival party members but declined to give details, saying a report had been forwarded to headquarters for further action.

The incident has drawn public criticism, with community leaders describing it as another sign of growing political intolerance ahead of the 2026 polls. Kabwata residents interviewed yesterday said they were concerned about violence occurring even within police premises.

Human-rights groups have urged authorities to ensure that law enforcement officers act impartially. “It is unacceptable for political cadres to invade a police station and assault people without consequence,” said one activist who asked not to be named.

The ECZ, meanwhile, reiterated that voter registration offences carry severe penalties under the Electoral Process Act and that individuals found with duplicate NRCs risk prosecution.

Tensions between PF and UPND supporters have escalated in recent months as both parties mobilise for next year’s elections. Several violent clashes have been reported during voter registration and public gatherings despite repeated calls for restraint by civic leaders.

As of press time, no arrests had been confirmed, and the whereabouts of Milumbi remained unclear. The PF said it would continue monitoring the registration process and demanded police protection for its members conducting lawful political activities.

“The culture of violence must stop. Zambia’s democracy cannot thrive when citizens fear for their safety even inside a police station,” Yenga said.

Lusaka records over 9,000 new voters

Feature Politics

Guest Editor

October 21, 2025

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced that Lusaka Province recorded 9,248 new or first time voters in the on-going registration of voters exercise.

ECZ Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Brown Kasaro says the figure was captured in the first phase of the voter registration exercise which he said was being done in phases.

The media reports that Mr Kasaro made the announcement during a press briefing held in Lusaka today when he updated the nation on the progress of the voter registration exercise following public concerns.

He stated that the 9,248 registered voters were recorded between October 13th and October 16th, marking a significant initial turnout in the province.

He however, could not reveal the exact provisional statistics from three other districts that form the Province.

Mr Kasaro assured the public that the Commission is proactively addressing coverage, adding that it has devised a deployment plan in order to reach out to a larger population not only in the capital city but the country as a whole.

The CEO also announced a vigorous publicity campaign that ECZ is provided through its websites and other available media platforms to ensure citizens are fully aware of the ongoing exercise.

And Shadrick Chimsofuya, a resident of Lusaka’s Kalundu area expressed concern about the limited availability of registration points.

He appealed to the government to consider increasing the number of registration centers in the district.

“I have not seen or found any other voter registration center here in Kalundu area,” he stated.

Meanwhile, a resident of Kalingalinga Township, Kenneth Mukanga urged the government to recruit more officers to enable a smooth and quick registration process which he said was allegedly slow.

“The process is rather slow as you can see. My plea to the Commission is to add more man-power to fasten the exercise,” Mr Mukanga said.

Nkandu Elected Vice President of UNESCO Anti-Doping Bureau

General News

Guest Editor

October 21, 2025

Nkandu Elected Vice President of UNESCO Anti-Doping Bureau

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, has been elected Vice President of Group V(a) of the UNESCO Bureau of the Convention Against Doping in Sport.

This marks a major milestone in the country’s growing influence in global anti-doping efforts.

This is according to a press statement issued by First Secretary Press at the Zambian Embassy in Paris ,France Naomi Mweemba.

Ms Mweemba disclosed that the election took place during the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sport, currently underway at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from October 20 to 23.

She said Mr Nkandu, who arrived in Paris on Tuesday, was welcomed by Ministry of Youth Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe, and Zambia’s Ambassador to France, Judith Mulenga.

‘’His election is seen as recognition of Zambia’s strong record in advancing anti-doping initiatives, both regionally and globally,’’ said Ms Mweemba.

She added that the UNESCO Bureau plays a central role in overseeing the implementation of the Convention and guiding international strategies to combat doping in sport.

Ms Mweemba explained that Mr Nkandu’s election follows Zambia’s sustained leadership in the sector since 2018, when the country first joined the Approval Committee for the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport.

‘’Zambia’s influence has grown steadily, with Ministry of Youth Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe previously chairing the Open-Ended Working Group on the Convention Against Doping in Sport, which recently issued major reform recommendations as the Convention marks its 20th anniversary.

“This election aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision to position Zambia prominently on the international stage by pursuing leadership roles with global organisations, thereby enhancing the country’s diplomatic presence and influence,” said Ms Mweemba.

She further said other Vice Presidents elected to the Bureau include representatives from Turkey, India, and Saudi Arabia adding that Azerbaijan was elected Chairperson of COP10.

The COP10 conference has drawn delegates from UNESCO member states, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the European Commission, and the African Union Sport Council.

The event serves as a key forum for setting international anti-doping policy and strengthening global cooperation in clean sport.

Nakachinda Goes in, after High Court upholds 18-month jail term

Headlines

Lusaka Times Editor

October 21, 2025

Nakachinda Goes in after High Court upholds 18-month jail term

The Lusaka High Court has upheld the 18-month prison sentence imposed on Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary-General Raphael Nakachinda for defaming President Hakainde Hichilema, concluding a protracted legal process that began nearly four years ago. The ruling, delivered by Judge Anne Mary Kachenga Malata-Ononuju, dismissed Nakachinda’s appeal against his conviction, reaffirming the earlier decision by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court and ordering his immediate arrest.

Nakachinda of Kafue District, surrendered himself at the Lusaka High Court shortly after the bench warrant was issued. His conviction stems from remarks made on 13 December 2021 outside the High Court of Zambia, where he told reporters and supporters that President Hichilema had begun summoning judges to his private residence to intimidate and coerce them into frustrating the Patriotic Front’s legal cases. The statement, which was broadcast by Muvi Television, prompted prosecutors to charge him under Section 69 of the Penal Code, which at the time made it a criminal offence to defame the President.

Nakachinda denied the charge, arguing that his comments were made in good faith and fell within his constitutional right to freedom of expression. However, on 17 May 2024, Senior Magistrate Irene Wishimanga found him guilty and sentenced him to 18 months’ imprisonment with hard labour, ruling that his words were calculated to bring the President into public ridicule and contempt. The court rejected the defence’s argument that the law had been repealed, holding that the offence was committed when Section 69 was still in force.

The High Court’s decision on appeal reaffirmed that position, finding that Nakachinda’s statements were defamatory and intended to undermine the authority of both the presidency and the judiciary. The court held that the remarks were made with reckless disregard for the truth and dismissed the appeal in its entirety.

Following the judgment, PF Vice-President Given Lubinda addressed the party’s Central Committee and supporters, describing the development as “punishment for speaking on behalf of the Zambian people.” He told the gathering that Nakachinda’s conviction was not the result of corruption or violence but of expressing opinions that challenged the government. “He’s gone in today not because he was corrupt or violent,” Lubinda said. “He’s gone to save time because of speaking, speaking for the Zambian people. For quoting others, Rafael has been quoted and put in to save time.”

Lubinda confirmed that the party would file an application for bail pending appeal to the Court of Appeal, insisting that Nakachinda had the right to exhaust all available judicial remedies. He said the PF viewed the case as an attack on democratic freedoms and a continuation of a broader pattern aimed at crippling the opposition’s organisational structure. “When they took Nixon Chilangwa, Rafael Nakachinda emerged,” he said. “Now that they have taken Rafael, another Secretary-General will emerge. No matter how long they keep him inside, our resolve only grows stronger.”

He urged PF members to remain steadfast and resilient, warning that further arrests were likely. “It is darkest before dawn,” he said. “For every one of our members who has been incarcerated, the hearts of hundreds of thousands are burning.” Lubinda also appealed to citizens to turn frustration into political action through voter registration, saying the next election would be the opportunity to “correct injustices.”

“Go and register with anger,” he said. “Be angry that Rafael has been arrested. And because we want him and others to be released come September next year, prepare to change the leadership of this country.” He further accused the current administration of being intolerant of dissent. “We know that this UPND regime is a government of scared little men, scared even of people who are speaking,” he said.

Lubinda ended his remarks by reaffirming the party’s commitment to fight for what it calls the restoration of justice. “For the liberation of Zambia, we are ready to save time in prison,” he declared. “None of us is scared. Aluta continue. Power to the people. One Zambia, one nation. This is a Zambia for all Zambians.”

The case has reignited debate over the use of criminal defamation laws in Zambia, particularly Section 69 of the Penal Code, which was repealed in 2022 but continues to apply to offences committed before that date. Human rights organisations have criticised the decision to uphold Nakachinda’s conviction, arguing that it sets back progress on freedom of expression and judicial independence. Legal analysts, however, note that the courts acted within the confines of existing law and judicial precedent.

Nakachinda is expected to begin serving his sentence immediately, though his legal team has confirmed that an application for bail pending appeal will be filed within days. The Patriotic Front maintains that it will continue to pursue all legal and political avenues to secure his release, framing the case as a test of Zambia’s commitment to constitutional rights and multiparty democracy.

World Vision Zambia launches WASH Business 2026-2030 plan

Health

Guest Editor

October 21, 2025

World Vision Zambia launches WASH Business 2026-2030 plan

World Vision Zambia has launched the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Business Plan for 2026 to 2030 with a targeted investment of Forty-Seven Million United States Dollars within Zambia.

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu says the launched business strategic plan is not just a document but is a comprehensive blueprint that embodies innovation, data driven planning and inclusiveness that underlines bold leadership and a resolute focus on impact.

The media reports that he said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Permanent Secretary, Romas Kamanga in Lusaka.

Mr Nzovu said the plan prioritises innovative approaches such as remote monitoring, sanitation marketing, menstrual health in schools, climate-resilient infrastructure, and most importantly, community participation.

“I want to commend World Vision Zambia for its outstanding commitment and impactful interventions over the years. Their previous Business Plan (2021–2025) successfully reached nearly one million people with clean water, over 1.2 million with improved sanitation, and more than 1.2 million with good hygiene practices. These achievements demonstrate how strategic partnerships and community-driven approaches can deliver tangible results,” he explained.

Mr Nzovu highlighted the need to recognise communities in the sustainability of water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), saying that their knowledge, and ownership are vital in maintaining infrastructure, promoting hygiene practices, and ensuring that the benefits of WASH investments endure beyond project timelines.

He added that empowering communities in WASH programmes through education, participation, and local ownership, helps them become custodians of their water sources and sanitation facilities, ensuring long-term functionality.

“Communities play a pivotal role in the success of WASH initiatives. Their involvement begins at the planning stage, where local needs, preferences, and cultural considerations must inform interventions. When communities are engaged from the outset, they develop a sense of ownership and responsibility,” he added.

Mr Nzovu further called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders as it cannot be achieved by government alone, adding that its sustainable achievement depends on strong partnerships, shared responsibility, and collective action.

He further congratulated World Vision Zambia for their plan assuring them of his Ministry’s commitment to supporting its implementation and urged all stakeholders to embrace collaboration, innovation, and community participation as their guiding principles.

And speaking earlier at the same launch, World Vision Zambia Country Director, Marc Nosbach indicated that the launched plan is World Vision Zambia’s bold data informed and community- centered strategy designed specifically to meet the severe challenges facing the rural child.

Mr Nosbach noted that the plan is a commitment to building sustainable, scalable, and resilient WASH systems for the next generation.

He further assured of the organisation’s commitment to aligning its business plan with the national sector strategic plan guaranteeing that its efforts compliments, supports and accelerates Zambia’s own ambitious goal for Universal access.

The launch of the World Vision Zambia Water Sanitation, and Hygiene Business Plan for 2026-2030 was themed, “Mapping the Blue thread.”

Lusaka records over 9,000 new voters

Feature Politics

Guest Editor

October 21, 2025