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Zambia Records Strong Gains in Fight Against Financial Crime

Lusaka Times Editor
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Zambia Records Strong Gains in Fight Against Financial Crime

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security has welcomed the Financial Intelligence Centre’s latest report, which reveals notable progress in tackling corruption and financial crimes in Zambia. The report highlights reduced public sector corruption, increased tax recoveries, and major asset forfeitures under President Hichilema’s anti-corruption drive. Emerging threats such as cybercrime and illicit financial flows are being actively addressed, with the government reaffirming its commitment to a clean, accountable financial system. Below is the Full statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ZAMBIA MAKING CLEAR PROGRESS IN FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIME

Lusaka, Zambia – 23 July 2025

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security welcomes the release of the 10th edition of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) report, which highlights significant progress in Zambia’s fight against financial crime and reinforces the UPND Government’s commitment to a transparent financial system.

The FIC notes a marked reduction in public sector corruption cases compared to money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion, underscoring the effectiveness of our anti-corruption measures. Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, the government has declared zero tolerance to corruption and committed to fight past, present and future corruption with no sacred cows. Through collaboration with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), tax assessments reached K28.9 billion in 2024, up from K1.2 billion in 2023, covering principal tax, interest, and penalties, subject to collection.

The Law Enforcement Directorate (LED) secured three conviction-based forfeitures and seven non-conviction-based forfeitures, recovering assets worth USD 2.5 million and K70 million in properties, plus K1.5 million and USD 24 million in bank accounts. Several investigations remain active to ensure justice is served.

According to the report, emerging challenges, including cyber fraud, regulatory evasions, and illicit fund transfers via prepaid branded cards, are being addressed. Illicit financial flows tied to illegal money and timber logging, as well as cybercrimes involving foreign actors, are also under scrutiny. For instance, according to the report, during the period under review, the Centre detected suspected Illicit Financial Flows worth USD3.5 billion, mostly perpetuated by multinational enterprises.

Notably, Suspicious Transaction Reports decreased by 12.74%, from 10,293 in 2024 to 8,981 in 2025, reflecting improved financial oversight.

“President Hichilema’s unwavering commitment to stamp out corruption is bearing fruit,” said Honourable Jack Mwiimbu. “These results show we are making progress in the war against financial crime, ensuring Zambia’s economy can thrive based on integrity and accountability. The recent introduction of robust cyber laws has further strengthened our efforts by enhancing our ability to detect and combat sophisticated financial crimes in the digital space.”

The Government remains dedicated to collaborating with the FIC, ZRA, LED, and other stakeholders to strengthen regulatory frameworks and safeguard Zambia’s financial ecosystem, aligning with the President’s vision for a corruption-free Zambia.

ISSUED:

Hon. Jack J. Mwiimbu MP
MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY

Catholic Leader Raises Alarm Over UNICEF Report on HIV in Zambian Children: “The World is Failing Its Children”

Chief Editor
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Catholic Leader Raises Alarm Over UNICEF Report on HIV in Zambian Children: “The World is Failing Its Children”

The Catholic Archdiocese of Ndola, through its Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Director Rev. Fr. Kelvin Bwalya, has issued a grave call to action following the release of a UNICEF report estimating that 58,000 Zambian children aged 0 to 14 are living with HIV/AIDS, with 14,000 of them not receiving treatment.

Describing the UNICEF 2025 Global HIV Report as a “heartbreaking truth,” Fr. Bwalya warned that Zambia—like the rest of the world—is failing its children in the ongoing fight against HIV. He called for urgent, coordinated efforts to protect vulnerable children and ensure their right to life-saving care.

“These are not abstract statistics. These are our children—the children in our homes, our schools, our parishes, and on our streets,” said Fr. Bwalya. “Their pain is our responsibility. We must act now.”

Fr. Bwalya urged Zambian families and caregivers to ensure that all children are tested for HIV and start treatment early. He also called on members of the clergy to speak boldly and frequently about the crisis from the pulpit, challenging the stigma and shame that continue to surround HIV.

“Let our churches be places of welcome, healing, and openness. We must confront stigma with truth,” he said.

Fr. Bwalya further appealed to the Government and health authorities to intensify efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission, especially in underserved rural areas. He emphasized the need for consistent availability of pediatric HIV medicines and test kits in all health facilities across the country.

“We cannot afford stockouts. Every delay costs a child their chance at life. Zambia must rise to protect its children,” he said.

The clergyman emphasized that combating HIV in children is not just a medical issue, but a moral and national responsibility. He called on community leaders, faith institutions, policymakers, and healthcare workers to unite in protecting the most vulnerable.

“This is a crisis that demands our full attention and our immediate action. The time for silence and hesitation is over,” he declared.

The UNICEF report has served as a stark reminder that while progress has been made globally in the fight against HIV, children remain dangerously underserved, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. With thousands of Zambian children living without access to treatment, Fr. Bwalya’s message is clear: the country must act decisively—now.

President Hichilema Swears In Key Officials, Emphasizes Integrity and National Interest

Chief Editor
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President Hichilema Swears In Key Officials, Emphasizes Integrity and National Interest

In a ceremony held at State House President Hakainde Hichilema officially swore in four newly appointed senior officials, underscoring a renewed commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public service.

The officials sworn in include:

  • Mr. Shadreck Mbewe as Commissioner of Lands
  • Lieutenant General Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi (Retired) as Ambassador to Brazil
  • Mr. Mahuba Wesley Hazemba as Ambassador to the State of Israel
  • Brigadier General Wilson Chikwalamba Tembo (Retired) as High Commissioner to Zimbabwe

Addressing the appointees, President Hichilema reminded them of the solemn responsibility they now bear on behalf of the Zambian people.

“These appointments are not a privilege, but a duty — to serve the nation with integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. The public trust must never be taken for granted,” the President stated.

For the diplomats, President Hichilema reiterated Zambia’s dual foreign policy priorities: peace and security, and economic diplomacy.

“Our envoys must skillfully navigate and balance these two pillars to promote Zambia’s interests abroad while contributing to global stability and cooperation,” he added.

On domestic matters, the Head of State placed particular emphasis on the Ministry of Lands, now under the leadership of Mr. Mbewe. He called for urgent reforms aimed at streamlining land administration, improving efficiency, and delivering transparent and dignified service to all citizens.

“Land is a vital resource. The Ministry must end the bottlenecks and uphold fairness, especially for ordinary Zambians trying to secure tenure,” President Hichilema said.

 

Ministry Of Health launches National Guidelines for Portable X-Ray Technology to Boost Rural Healthcare

Chief Editor
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Ministry Of Health launches National Guidelines for Portable X-Ray Technology to Boost Rural Healthcare

The Ministry of Health has officially launched the National Operational Guidelines for the Use of Portable Digital X-Ray Units, a transformative step aimed at strengthening diagnostic healthcare delivery across Zambia, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

The launch event was officiated by Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary – Technical Services, who described the guidelines as a “milestone in standardizing portable X-ray deployment”, with the potential to revolutionize medical imaging in the country.

Dr. Lishimpi underscored the importance of portable X-ray technology in diagnosing and managing tuberculosis, trauma, and other life-threatening conditions, especially in regions where access to conventional radiology services remains limited.

“This technology is a game-changer for Zambia’s health sector. It brings diagnostic services closer to the people who need them most, and the guidelines will ensure consistent quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards,” Dr. Lishimpi stated.

The Ministry expressed its deep gratitude to Rocinantes, a key implementing partner, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, for their continued support in introducing and scaling up the technology.

Mr. Ryo Sato, Rocinantes Project Coordinator, shared encouraging progress from early deployments in rural districts such as Chisamba and Chibombo, where the portable digital X-rays have significantly improved diagnosis turnaround times, allowing patients to receive quicker and more effective care.

“Portable X-rays are breaking barriers. We’ve already seen lives saved through faster, safer, and more accessible imaging services in rural Zambia,” said Mr. Sato.

Health experts at the event agreed that the initiative aligns with Zambia’s broader vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring equitable access to essential health services regardless of geography or income.

The newly launched guidelines are expected to provide healthcare workers with clear protocols on device handling, radiation safety, patient management, and data reporting, paving the way for wider adoption of digital diagnostic tools across the country.

The Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to innovative, inclusive healthcare delivery that leaves no one behind.

Forgiveness Vs Accountability

Chief Editor
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Forgiveness Vs Accountability

To my friends, family, and supporters,

Chris Zumani Zimba, a former Special Assistant to President Edgar Lungu, has been arrested for cyber crimes and libel. Some of you have reached out to me about this, given his previous articles about me.

Some have asked, “Why not just forgive him?” As a servant of God, I believe in forgiveness, but I also believe in justice. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). But repentance is key. Unfortunately, when we approached Mr. Zimba, and asked him to retract his damaging statements, he showed,and has continued to show, no signs of remorse. Only arrogance.

Consider a scenario where a Christian man’s home is attacked, and his wife is killed. Would it be right to let the perpetrators just go free because Christians should forgive without accountability? Wouldn’t that be an act of irresponsibility? Remember that justice demands that we must protect the vulnerable and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Similarly, as leaders, we must provide guidance by standing up for truth, integrity, and morality. We must hold accountable those who spread lies and harm others. As Christians, we’re called to promote righteousness and justice.

As the African proverb goes, “When you pray, move your feet.” We’re not just praying for change; we’re also taking action. From now on, we will take a stand against anyone that lies against, insults or abuses us. We will deposit all these atrocities into the National Bank of Justice where the competent Adjudicators will fairly Judge and erect the correct beacons of justice and fair conduct for posterity and for the sake of our children and their children.

This is the only way our long time vision of Zambia Shall be Saved can be realized. To mop up Zambian society of hate, abuse and other ungodly vices that have plagued our Christian Nation.

We do this, not because it benefits us, but because it’s part of what we’ve been called to do. To build a Christian nation anchored on love, respect, and better lives for all, we must clean up our engagement on national and public issues. Respect, truth, and reconciliation are crucial.
Continue praying for us as we continue to advocate for a return to politics that advances morality, integrity, and mutual respect.
I thank you.

Dr.Nevers Mumba

Late Action Will Cost Us Mr. President

Chief Editor
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Late Action Will Cost Us Mr. President

I write to appeal to the Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema to take quick action surrounding what is happening around the presidency right now as it is slowly denting the party’s image locally and internationally.

We cannot as the party in power always be going for damage controls when we are in the ruling. Its either you are surrounded by wrong people or play boys who don’t know how to do politics.

You have tirelessly removed this country from the ICU but the people around you are ill advising you. That is why they cannot do anything when people like Given Lubinda say they have their people in the system, this is it. We are not seeing a lot of your works being told to the people by your UPND Media team, because they are either ill funded or it is deliberate.

Take quick and decisive action now to save your face and that of the party, right now. Why are we having leaked audios connecting the presidency to such nonsense? Surely Mr President, these are not coincidences, something should be ringing the bell in your head right now. Scrutinize your team.

The Party Media also is a total mess, it is always caught off guard, only to do damage controls, when they have all the resources to sell, protect the presidency and the party. What is happening Mr President?

Christopher Wandi
HARDCORE UPND SUPPORTER

When Voices Are Not What They Seem: AI’s Role in Zambia’s Latest Audio Leak

Chief Editor
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When Voices Are Not What They Seem: AI’s Role in Zambia’s Latest Audio Leak

By Adrian Gunduzani, The Observer

A few days ago, a recording surfaced online, allegedly featuring the PF (acting, confirmed or disputed – whichever applies) President, Robert Chabinga. The leaked audio, which touches on sensitive matters related to the burial of former President Edgar Lungu, quickly sparked outrage, speculation, and partisan debate.

But instead of offering clarity, the leak has only deepened the fog. Mr. Chabinga has publicly dismissed the audio as fake, claiming it was generated using artificial intelligence. “The voice in the audio is not mine,” he stated, warning that producing such material is a criminal offence under Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.

Public reaction has been swift and divided. Some claim the clip is genuine, citing tone and phrasing. Others echo Chabinga’s defence, pointing out how easy it is nowadays to replicate a voice using technology. Online debates have raged, and pages aligned with different factions have already drawn their own conclusions.

This moment brings us face to face with a growing digital dilemma: can we still trust what we hear? Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept for tech conferences in Silicon Valley – it is now a tool accessible to anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection. It can create photos that never existed, generate videos of people saying things they never said, and, as possibly in this case, produce audio recordings that imitate real Zambians.

In the middle of all this, many have whispering nifinshi twalachetekela. Things have gone too far. Trust is no longer a given. We are living in a time where hearing a voice does not mean you have heard the truth.

And this is precisely where I believe the Cyber Law enters the conversation. The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act was not written to silence citizens – it was created to protect truth in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The law prohibits the creation and dissemination of false digital content, particularly when it is intended to deceive the public or defame individuals. Under provisions like Section 44, it becomes illegal to use AI or any digital tools to fabricate damaging material.

If Mr. Chabinga’s claim is true, the law offers a legal path to investigate the source and punish those responsible. Zambia is not the first country to face this challenge. Across the world, courts and legislatures are racing to catch up with technology that is evolving faster than most laws. What’s different now is that Zambia has already taken the first step: it has a law in place.

But laws, however well-written, are only as effective as the society enforcing them. Citizens, the media, and political leaders must now commit to verifying information before amplifying it. The digital space is full of noise, and without filters grounded in ethics and facts, we risk losing our ability to tell fact from fiction.

At the heart of this issue is not just technology – it is trust. When fake audios trend faster than verified news, and when political discourse is shaped more by suspicion than substance, the public suffers. Zambia’s democracy deserves better. Truth should not be optional. Verification should not be rare.

Whether this particular audio turns out to be real or artificially generated, it has done one thing effectively: it has reminded us that in the age of AI, even a voice cannot be trusted blindly. It has forced us to reckon with a new kind of warfare – not of bullets and batons, but of bytes and beliefs.

Zambia must rise to this challenge. That means using the Cyber Law not to silence, but to shield. It means educating the public, training investigators, and empowering the justice system with digital forensics. Most of all, it means slowing down before we forward, retweet, or rage.

We are living in a time when “he said, she said” is no longer enough. Now, we must also ask, “Did he really say it – or did AI say it for him?”

The future of truth depends on how we answer that question.

Fred M’membe Raises Alarm Over Judicial Independence

Chief Editor
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Fred M’membe Raises Alarm Over Judicial Independence

Socialist Party leader Dr. Fred M’membe has issued a stark warning about the state of Zambia’s judiciary following the leak of an audio recording allegedly involving Minister of Community Development Doreen Mwamba and Patriotic Front (PF) MP Robert Chabinga. The recording, now submitted to the Pretoria High Court by the Lungu family’s legal team, purportedly details efforts to influence South African judges regarding the burial of former president Edgar Lungu.

The government has dismissed the audio as fabricated, citing possible AI manipulation—a claim met with skepticism by analysts. M’membe, however, described the recording as evidence of a broader assault on judicial independence. “This is not merely a moral failing but a systemic governance crisis,” he stated during a press briefing at his party’s headquarters. “Our courts must serve justice, not political agendas.”

M’membe condemned the alleged interference in South Africa’s judicial process as an overreach of executive power. “Attempting to sway courts in another sovereign state is unacceptable. It undermines the rule of law both domestically and internationally,” he said.

He further accused the UPND government of eroding Zambia’s constitutional safeguards by appointing political allies to key judicial and legal positions. “Multiparty democracy was hard-won, yet it is now being hollowed out—not through force, but through calculated influence.”

M’membe criticized the lack of response from Zambia’s judicial oversight bodies, including the Chief Justice, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). “The audio has sparked regional attention, yet our institutions remain silent. Their inaction speaks volumes,” he noted.

He dismissed the government’s claim that the audio was AI-generated as “an affront to public intelligence,” emphasizing that the content’s specificity and verifiable details render such explanations implausible. “This tactic sets a dangerous precedent—allowing any damaging evidence to be dismissed as fabricated.”

M’membe demanded a parliamentary inquiry and the resignation of any officials implicated in the scandal. He also urged South African authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, warning that judicial tampering across borders violates international norms.

Civil society groups, including Transparency International Zambia, have called for forensic analysis of the audio and the suspension of involved officials pending investigation. Meanwhile, human rights lawyers suggest South African courts could pursue contempt charges if evidence confirms attempted interference.

The UPND government maintains its stance, with media director Mark Simuuwe reiterating that the audio is a fabrication designed to distract from the administration’s development agenda. “We will not be sidetracked by baseless allegations,” he asserted.

Public sentiment, however, appears skeptical. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism under the hashtag #LunguAudio, with many demanding accountability.

For M’membe, the scandal transcends immediate political fallout. “A judiciary compromised by the executive signals the decline of democracy itself,” he warned. “Without urgent corrective measures, this government’s legacy will be the erosion of Zambia’s democratic foundations.”

Managing Director Arrested for Theft of K575,000 in Lusaka

Chief Editor
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Managing Director Arrested for Theft of K575,000 in Lusaka

The Zambia Police Service has arrested Mr. Abel Ng’andu, 53, of PHI in Lusaka, on charges of Theft by Director, contrary to Section 279 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mr. Ng’andu, who serves as the Managing Director of Ng’andu Consulting Limited, is alleged to have misappropriated Five Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand Kwacha (K575,000) belonging to the company.

According to a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, the incident occurred between October 17, 2024 and March 2025. During this period, an agent of Ng’andu Consulting — identified as Mr. Lusungu Nyirenda, Managing Director of Walumart Auto Company Limited — facilitated the sale of seven motor vehicles on behalf of Ng’andu Consulting.

The proceeds from the vehicle sales, totaling K575,000, were deposited into Mr. Ng’andu’s personal bank account instead of the company’s official account. Investigations have since established that Mr. Ng’andu used the funds for personal benefit.

He has since been released on police bond and is expected to appear in court soon.

In the wake of the arrest, the Zambia Police Service issued a stern reminder to company directors and officials about the importance of upholding fiduciary responsibility and corporate integrity.

“Any abuse of office for personal enrichment will not be tolerated. The Zambia Police Service remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring accountability in both public and private institutions,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to strengthen financial accountability and combat white-collar crime in Zambia’s corporate sector.

China Deploys 31 Electric Mining Trucks to Zambia in Landmark Green Technology Push

Chief Editor
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China Deploys 31 Electric Mining Trucks to Zambia in Landmark Green Technology Push

China has dispatched a fleet of 31 pure electric mining trucks to Zambia, marking a significant milestone in the use of green technology in Africa’s extractive industries. The trucks, provided by Chinese high-tech firm Breton Technology, set sail on Sunday and are en route to support a major copper mining project in Zambia.

The deployment is in collaboration with the African branch of China’s state-owned 15th Metallurgical Construction Group and is being touted as the first large-scale rollout of electric mining trucks for a single project on the continent.

“This overseas cooperation is the first of its kind and will help further upgrade local mining equipment,” said Li Wenjie, chairman of the 15th Metallurgical Construction Group’s construction trade arm in Africa.

Breton Technology, which specializes in green construction machinery, is also providing a zero-carbon mining robot system, integrating autonomous driving and clean energy technologies alongside the electric trucks.

“We believe that in the near future, unmanned mining fleets will be seen operating in Africa,” stated Teng Fei, head of strategy and overseas business at Breton.

The shipment is expected to arrive in Durban, South Africa, after a 20- to 25-day sea journey, before continuing overland to Zambia.

This technological advancement comes as China pledges $5 billion in investment into Zambia’s mining sector by 2031, as part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative. However, the growing Chinese presence in Zambia’s mining industry has not been without controversy.

In February 2025, a Chinese-owned copper mine operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia suffered a major environmental failure when a dam breach released 50 million litres of acidic waste into a tributary of the Kafue River. The incident caused pollution along more than 100 kilometres downstream, raising alarms about environmental safeguards in foreign-owned operations.

Despite the setbacks, Zambian officials have maintained that the push toward modernizing the mining sector — particularly through low-emission technologies — is essential for economic growth and sustainable development.

The introduction of electric mining trucks could play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of Zambia’s mining operations, aligning with the country’s climate commitments and growing interest in green industrialization.

Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies in Accidental Drowning While Vacationing in Costa Rica

Chief Editor
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Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies in Accidental Drowning While Vacationing in Costa Rica

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the Emmy-nominated actor and director best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died following an accidental drowning while vacationing in Costa Rica. He was 54.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) confirmed Warner’s death, stating that he drowned on Sunday afternoon at Playa Grande, a beach located in Cocles in the province of Limón on the country’s Caribbean coast. According to officials, Warner was caught in a strong ocean current between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. local time.

Witnesses at the scene attempted to assist the actor and managed to bring him back to shore. Emergency responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross arrived shortly thereafter but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Warner rose to fame in the 1980s portraying Theo Huxtable, the only son in the fictional Huxtable family on NBC’s The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992. The role earned him widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986.

The actor was reportedly selected for his breakout role by Bill Cosby himself, chosen on the final day of a national casting search. Warner later built a multifaceted career as a director, poet, and musician, remaining active in both television and stage performances.

News of Warner’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike, many of whom have taken to social media to share condolences and celebrate his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Minister Of Local Government And Rural Development Offside

Chief Editor
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Minister Of Local Government And Rural Development Offside

Dear Editor,

I would like firstly to commend the Minister of Local government and Rural development Honorable Gift Sialubalo for his serious stance in making sure he goes round the councils to orient himself with the service delivery issues in our councils, after his appointment to the Ministry.

I am however taken aback when I hear him commending councils with most thorny service delivery issues with the community members.

We have issues that have gone through full council meetings two to three years ago, yet not implemented. Why should such a council and its management be praised when those being served are complaining? Surely, these CDF programs are one thing while the service delivery to communities by these civil servants and elected leaders is another. Burying yourselves in these CDF programs will shock you, not the President, mark my words.

Chingola for example have issues of land relocation for Hellen applicants, up to now the implementation is a sorry site, not talking of Kasompe Airstrip where the council is continually going against court orders by using the Army to harass people and instigate fear.

I am cautioning against praising these councils when you are not meeting the communities being served to hear their challenges that these people in offices are not executing. The Chingola Town Clerk for lack of words is stubborn and arrogant, not only to her juniors, but the party members, and the general members as she claims she is highly connected and cannot be fired. It is therefore shocking to hear such accolades from the Minister being showered on her.

Charles Mwale
CHINGOLA

Chingola Council Goes Against Court Orders

Chief Editor
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Chingola Council Goes Against Court Orders

Dear Editor,

It is shocking that Chingola Municipal Council is now using the Army to go against court orders that are active in Lusaka High Court involving Kasompe Airstrip.

I have never seen such arrogance by the Mayor to even invite the Army for an official courtesy call when he is alive to the court proceedings. Chingola people are not safe with this mayor and the Town Clerk.

I appeal to President Hakainde Hichilema to take interest in the Kasompe Airstrip issue where the council now go to site to demarcate land and give out when the matter is in court, just because he has sold some piece of land within the area to a chinese.

This and many more unpopular maneuvers by the Mayor kuma pit and on land issues will make Chingola a difficult campaigning town for the party, unless new faces are adopted. The current crop is marred with land and dumpsite corruption.

Let those with ears hear.

Charles Mwale
CHINGOLA

Future Zambian Presidents May Not Relocate to State House and May Not Annually Declare Assets

Chief Editor
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Future Zambian Presidents May Not Relocate to State House and May Not Annually Declare Assets

Bill 7 Deferred: A Chance to Close Legal Loopholes on Presidential Residence and Asset Disclosure

By Venus N Msyani

The deferral of Constitutional Amendment Bill 7 has ignited fierce public debate in Zambia. While some interpret it as a death knell for the proposal, others view it as a calculated pause meant to ease concerns over a rushed process. President Hakainde Hichilema defended the move, stating, “The deferral was necessary to allow more time for stakeholder engagement and to gather more content from various parties.”

His justification aligns with the latter view, repositioning the delay as a strategic opening rather than a legislative failure. The pause offers an essential opportunity to confront long-standing legal ambiguities surrounding presidential residence and asset disclosure.

At present, Zambian law does not require the sitting president to reside at State House. President Hichilema currently resides in his private home in New Kasama, Lusaka, a property presumably enhanced at public expense to meet executive standards. Such arrangements risk establishing a problematic precedent, one where future leaders expect taxpayer-funded upgrades to personal residences without constitutional mandate.

In the absence of legal constraints, this practice could quickly morph into a recurring entitlement: “President Hichilema didn’t relocate to State House, neither will I.”

Equally troubling is the issue of asset declaration. The law does not compel elected officials to publicly disclose their assets, weakening the nation’s anti-corruption infrastructure. Future leaders may exploit this gap, citing past behavior to sidestep transparency: “He didn’t declare his assets, I won’t either.”

What appears at first glance to be rhetorical evasion in fact signals a broader institutional failure, where informal precedent begins to eclipse codified governance. Addressing this now is not simply advisable; it’s imperative.

Hichilema’s own words, “Leadership means you must think of the person who is coming after you,” must be weighed against the choices that may now shape future presidencies. If left unchecked, these precedents risk distorting expectations of executive responsibility. The possibility of future leaders commuting daily from locales as distant as Kabwe or beyond, by helicopter no less, underscores the fiscal burden such informality could impose on the state. Our economy is too small for that.

Corruption continues to drain Zambia’s resources, even amidst formal reform efforts. Experts and civil society leaders have long called for mandatory annual asset and liability disclosures. Yet legal inertia allows technical avoidance to persist, dulling the edge of anti-corruption initiatives.

The moment demands legal clarity. Through constitutional reform, Zambia can enshrine requirements for public asset declarations, designate an official presidential residence, and eliminate policy blind spots that erode institutional trust. These reforms are not a critique of one administration; they are a defense of national integrity. Transparent governance lays the groundwork for development; accountability ensures its permanence.

The Constitution should reflect a commitment to clarity, equity, and fiscal restraint. This is not reactionary policymaking. It is responsible stewardship. Zambia’s future deserves laws that empower its citizens, not shield its leaders. And its public record should inspire tomorrow’s generation, not leave them to question yesterday’s silence.

Future Zambian Presidents may not relocate to State House. They may not annually declare assets either. Bill 7 Deferred: A chance to close these legal loopholes.

2026 Campaigns Will Be Difficult For UPND In Chingola

Chief Editor
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2026 Campaigns Will Be Difficult For UPND In Chingola

Dear editor,

I want to bring to the attention of the Republican President that Chingola will be too difficult for the party to campaign.

This is because most of the elected leaders have abandoned those who campaigned for the and even used their own resources and their homes where they used to meet at as campaign centers.

The new ones they would want to use for the general elections already have a formula, “pay us off then we campaign”

The continued closure of dumpsites is another situation that will make it difficult for campaigns. While other towns are enjoying from dump sites, Chingola’s jerabos who are largely used for security for these leaders and campaigns are disappointed that Commerce, Mines and Copperbelt Ministers and Chingola Mayor are using the situation in Chingola to instead enrich themselves by fronting some financially capable Jerabos who give them a lot of money.

DAO is not spared from this syndicate as monies most times exchange hands right at the District Commissioner’s Office, without fear of the President.

Mwange Fortune
Chingola

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