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Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) 2026 Lusaka Mayoral Aspirant, Rev. Dr. William Njombo, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive and community-driven leadership following a productive engagement with Libala Ward officials. Dr. Njombo spent the afternoon discussing critical development issues and reviewing progress in establishing Polling Station Management Committees. The meeting, also attended by members of the Kabwata Constituency Committee, reflected the UPND’s commitment to grassroots engagement and collaborative leadership. “This interaction strengthens my vision for a Lusaka where every community has a voice and access to opportunities for growth,” said Dr. Njombo. “I remain dedicated to working tirelessly for the people of Lusaka to ensure our city becomes more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous.” He has further urged local party structures to remain united and proactive as the 2026 general elections approach, emphasizing the need for community empowermen...

Democratic Union Party (DUP) President Ackim Njovu has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to personally intervene in the ongoing scandal involving the theft and illegal sale of government-supplied drugs, citing the failure of ministers to effectively manage the crisis. Mr. Njovu has expressed deep disappointment with the government’s slow and inadequate response, noting that recent public remarks by the U.S. Ambassador highlight Zambia’s lack of timely and decisive action on the matter. He has criticized  the focus of recent arrests, which he said have primarily targeted low-level pharmacy workers, while those believed to be the true masterminds   possibly senior government officials   have remained untouched. “The press briefing held by three ministers was unimpressive and deflective. Instead of addressing the issue head-on, they chose to blame the previous regime. That is not leadership   Zambians expect accountability,” Mr. Njovu said. He  has  quest...

UPND  Sikongo Member of Parliament, Simushi Mayungo, has called on the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to review and increase the current crop purchase price in light of the challenges and resilience demonstrated by farmers across the region. Mr. Mayungo said  despite devastating droughts and significant losses in the previous farming season, farmers did not lose hope. “Our farmers remained committed to planting even with the risk of another drought looming,” he said. “Government must take into account the losses suffered last season and the unwavering resilience of our people when setting this year’s crop prices.” Mr. Mayungo has proposed an increase in the price of rice and other key crops above the previous K380 per 50kg bag, suggesting a K20 increment as a necessary incentive. “We must reward the perseverance of our farmers if we want to secure food production and national food security,” he added. He has also noted that while rains have been more...

The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has attributed the growing levels of poverty in the country to widespread corruption and has urged citizens to hold corrupt individuals accountable. ZCTU President Blake Mulala  said the first quarter of 2025 has been marked by a high cost of living, troubling signs of systemic failure, and deepening mistrust in both government and private institutions. He has warned that unless urgent and inclusive reforms are undertaken, Zambia risks facing prolonged economic and social instability. “While we acknowledge progress in sectors such as legal and mining reforms, the economic reality for most workers remains bleak,” Mr. Mulala said. He has noted t he need for decisive action against corruption, calling on the Church, traditional leaders, and citizens to expose individuals who have enriched themselves at the expense of public welfare. “We elect leaders to serve the public   not to amass personal wealth. Those in politics for personal gain ...

The Safety for People on the Move has expressed concern over the alarming number of road fatalities in Zambia, stating that the current efforts to promote road safety are insufficient. Safety for People on the Move   Founder and President   Chifwesa Kaoma  has contended  that over 2,000 lives are lost annually  due to road traffic accidents. "These are not just numbers. These are faces   mothers, fathers, children   people we rely on in our communities and the backbone of our economy," the spokesperson said. Ms. Kaoma has  stressed that road safety cannot be addressed in isolation but must involve a comprehensive approach that includes education, enforcement, engineering (infrastructure), and emergency response services . “We must ask ourselves: are we educating the public enough to change their mindset toward safe road usage? Are our enforcement agencies, such as RTSA and traffic police, adequately staffed and supported to carry out the...

A recent study conducted by the Zambia Institute for Labour Research and Development (ZILARD)  has revealed that existing trade unions and collective bargaining agreements in Zambia are not inclusive of P ersons W ith D isabilities (PWDs). The findings, published in a new education and training guide titled “Collective Bargaining Manual on Disability Issues,”  highlight the lack of representation and inclusion of disability rights in the country's labour negotiations and agreements. The manual was developed with the support of the Union Solidarity Centre of Finland (SASK)  and responds to ZILARD's 2023 study titled “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Working Life in Zambia.” Designed to serve as a practical tool, the manual offers trade union representatives guidance and resources for negotiating workplace agreements that are inclusive of disability issues. It also aims to raise awareness, combat discrimination, and promote equality in the world of work. ZILARD La...

The Zambia Institute for Labour Research and Development (ZILARD)  has joined other stakeholders in appealing to the United States Government, through its Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales , to reconsider the suspension of health sector funding to Zambia. ZILARD Executive Director Francis Phiri says the decision is deeply concerning, especially as it comes at a time when Zambia heavily relies on donor support for essential medicines and healthcare services. Mr. Phiri has  described the impact on the poor as disheartening , noting that the country has taken the matter seriously and is working to bring those responsible for the mismanagement of donor funds to justice. “It is unfortunate that such a vital funding stream is affected due to poor work ethics and misconduct by some civil servants,” the statement read. The ZILARD Executive Director has encouraged the public servants entrusted with managing donor funds must uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibil...