The Voice Newspaper Zambia

11/06/2026

NKOMBO DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM OPPOSITION, DEFENDS INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY

Independent Mazabuka Central parliamentary candidate Gary Nkombo has dismissed suggestions that he could align himself with opposition political parties following his fallout with the UPND, insisting that his values do not resonate with those of the Patriotic Front or other opposition figures.

Speaking during an interview, Mr. Nkombo said political partnerships can only be formed among like-minded individuals, stressing that he never envisaged joining the PF.

The former Cabinet Minister defended his decision to contest as an independent candidate, saying circumstances surrounding his exclusion from party activities left him with no choice but to pursue his political ambitions outside the UPND.

Mr. Nkombo also rejected claims that he had become arrogant, arguing that loyalty in politics must be mutual. He maintained that his independent bid was driven by appeals from the people of Mazabuka.

Addressing speculation about presidential ambitions, he said he has never campaigned for the presidency, adding that leadership is determined by God and the will of the people.

He further commented on a recent police search of his Mazabuka residence, suggesting it may have been linked to pressure exerted on some members of his campaign team.

Mr. Nkombo also clarified that he supported Bill 7, contrary to claims that he voted against it.

11/06/2026

Today's UPND Manifesto launch for 2026-2031 will outline the programme for the next phase of the New Dawn. What is key, is picking up from debt restructuring and restoring economic stability to generating rapid growth that will bring real prosperity to ALL our citizens.

Let me give you one leakage: 10-10-5-3-3-1-1. This is the key to generating an additional $65 Billion USD in economic value from:

10 Gigawatts of Power generation
10 Million tonnes of Maize production
5 Million Tourist arrivals
3 Million tonnes of Copper production
3 Million tonnes of Soya Bean production
1 Million tonnes of Wheat production
1 Billion USD of Beef exports

We're on the right track but there's more work to do. Let's all work hard to achieve Bally's 10-10-5-3-3-1-1 goals and make Zambia great together!

Let's go!

Jito

10/06/2026

UPND Alliance Grows to 15 Parties

UPND Alliance Chairperson Charles Milupi says the alliance continues to grow as more political parties and leaders identify with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision for national development.

Mr. Milupi revealed that the addition of five opposition parties has increased the alliance’s membership to 15. Speaking at the UPND Secretariat when welcoming the new members, he noted that while the alliance is gaining numbers, support for those opposed to the ruling party continues to decline.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Front President Miles Sampa criticized some opposition leaders for resorting to politics of hatred instead of offering alternative solutions to the challenges facing the country.

United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) President Charles Chanda said his party joined the alliance to help preserve achievements recorded over the last four years.

New Congress Party (NCP) President Peter Chanda explained that his party aligned with the alliance because President Hichilema is a listening leader willing to work with citizens from all walks of life.

At the same event, UNIP Leader Lt. Colonel Henry Miyoba commended President Hichilema’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens through initiatives such as free education.

10/06/2026

May I proudly announce that yesterday, your currency, the Kwacha, was ranked as the best-performing currency in the world – President Hakainde Hichilema

10/06/2026

HH Sends Back Public Gathering Bill to Parliament.

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

President Hichilema has appealed to Mulungushi University students to vote for all UPND candidates (suit) - Councillor, Mayor, MP and the President

10/06/2026

ConCourt Schedules HH Petition Hearing

The Constitutional Court has set June 16, 2026, for a status conference in a petition challenging President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA's eligibility to contest the 2026 General Election.

The status conference will provide an opportunity for the parties to set timelines for the matter, exchange evidence, file any pre-hearing applications and schedule the hearing date.

The petition was filed by United Party for National Development –UPND- senior member CHARLES LONGWE, who is challenging President HICHILEMA's eligibility on the grounds that the party did not hold a valid convention before his nomination on May 22, 2026.

Mr. LONGWE has cited Articles 60 and 128 of the Constitution, as well as Order Four Rule One of the Constitutional Court Rules, in support of his petition.

He filed the matter before the Constitutional Court on May 29, 2026.

However, UPND Secretary-General BATUKE IMENDA has argued that the issues raised in the petition concerning the mandate of the current party leadership fall under the UPND Constitution rather than the Republican Constitution.

Mr. IMENDA contends that questions surrounding the mandate of the party leadership can only be resolved through an interpretation of the UPND Constitution and not Articles 52 and 60 of the national Constitution.

The full bench of the Constitutional Court is expected to hear the petition on June 19, 2026.

President HICHILEMA is being represented by State Counsel MULAMBO HAIMBE of MALAMBO and Company, who is also a former Justice Minister.

Other members of the President's legal team include MICHAEL MOONO of LJ Michael Legal Practitioners, KAMUWANGA PHIRI of MALAMBO and C weompany, and JOSEPH NJOBVU of PNP Advocates.

Meanwhile, petitioner CHARLES LONGWE is being represented by BENJAMIN MWELWA of MWELWA PHIRI and Partners.

10/06/2026

KK SECONDARY SCHOOL GETS FACELIFT, BUT VANDALISM THREATENS GAINS.

Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School has received a much-needed infrastructure boost after the rehabilitation of a classroom block and ablution facilities, works valued at approximately K16,000.00. However, the project’s success is already under threat from a wave of vandalism by unidentified pupils.

The repair works, which focused on window fitting and a fresh coat of painting for the classroom block, were successfully completed through a collaborative effort. The project was primarily funded using the Permanent Secretary Dr. Tuesday Bwalya’s own resources, supplemented by contributions from a few alumni members of the school.

The combined effort has transformed the learning environment, giving the aging infrastructure a visible facelift.

Beyond the classroom block, the PS also conducted a follow-up inspection on sanitary works he had previously directed the school management to undertake. While the management executed the assigned works, the progress has been met with a disappointing setback.

It has been discovered that some unknown pupils have begun vandalizing the newly installed fittings in the ablution block. The act of destruction has been met with strong displeasure from the PS.

Provincial PR unit

09/06/2026

ZAMPOST Retirees Receive K48 Million Boost

Government has released K48 million to facilitate the payment of retirement benefits to former ZAMPOST employees.

ZAMPOST Postmaster General LYDIA SIMAKANDO has described the release of the funds as a major step towards restoring dignity and hope to retirees who have waited for their benefits for many years.

Ms. SIMAKANDO says the intervention reflects Government's commitment to improving the welfare of citizens and addressing long-standing obligations owed to retired workers.

She says the payments are in line with President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA's vision of strengthening governance, restoring dignity to citizens and improving livelihoods.

The disbursement forms part of the third phase of ZAMPOST's efforts to clear outstanding retirement obligations owed to former employees.

Ms. SIMAKANDO says the payments will be made on a first-retired, first-paid basis to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability throughout the process.

This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by ZAMPOST Public Relations Officer RUTH MWANZA.