By Daimone Siulapwa
Edgar Lungu is back on the political scene, and the UPND government would be making a catastrophic mistake if they dismissed his return as inconsequential.
This isn’t just about Lungu as an individual—it’s about the massive, calculated machinery of influence, power, and wealth that he commands.
He is not only a former president with years of political experience but also a cunning strategist surrounded by a network of powerful allies both within and beyond Zambia’s borders.
If the UPND overlooks this threat, they risk jeopardizing the very democracy they seek to protect.
Lungu’s comeback is more than just a political maneuver; it’s a rallying call to a fractured but determined base that feels disillusioned by the UPND’s leadership.
*The economic challenges Zambia currently faces are the fuel he needs to paint the UPND as a government that has “failed” to deliver on its promises.*
The irony is sharp—these economic troubles largely stem from the ruinous debt and reckless spending policies of Lungu’s own administration, yet he seeks to leverage this very crisis to catapult himself back into relevance.
The UPND should recognize this tactic for what it is: a calculated strategy to rewrite history, deflect blame, and offer a hollow promise of “solutions” that he once failed to provide.
Let us not forget the war chest Lungu brings to this battle. Financially, he is heavily backed by a coalition of business tycoons, foreign interests, and political influencers who stand to gain massively from his return to power.
These backers are prepared to pour millions into a sophisticated campaign that would wage an unprecedented propaganda war on the UPND.
*This funding will drive a media assault, where misinformation, sensationalism, and manufactured outrage could dominate the discourse and manipulate public opinion.*
Lungu’s allies are determined, well-financed, and fully prepared to paint him as a “savior,” erasing the memory of his previous administration’s failures.
UPND must acknowledge that the financial and political backing Lungu has could create an environment ripe for unrest and social division.
This isn’t just an opposition bid; it’s an orchestrated campaign to destabilize the current government. UPND needs to confront this reality and counter it with a strategy of transparency and constant engagement with the Zambian people. They cannot afford to remain reactive while Lungu builds momentum.
*Equally concerning is the fact that even if Lungu is disqualified from running, his influence remains formidable. Any candidate he endorses will become the de facto challenger to President Hichilema in the upcoming elections.*
Lungu’s support would effectively anoint this candidate with the same financial and political resources he commands, turning them into a proxy for his own agenda.
The UPND would be wise to see this potential threat, preparing not only to confront Lungu directly but also to anticipate the rise of a potential surrogate who could galvanize opposition support under his shadow.
*Blocking Lungu through legal channels might seem an attractive option, but the UPND must tread carefully to avoid turning him into a martyr. By restricting his political activities, they risk fueling a narrative of oppression that Lungu would leverage to his advantage.*
He’s proven adept at playing the sympathy card, often casting himself as a “victim” when it suits his purposes. This time around, giving Lungu the gift of public sympathy would be a strategic blunder of the highest order.
The UPND must instead counter him openly and decisively, without resorting to tactics that could backfire.
The UPND government’s approach to this challenge needs to be measured and well-calculated. They should not give Lungu any ammunition that could be twisted into a narrative of victimization.
Instead, they must continuously remind the public of the staggering corruption and impunity that defined his administration. Every Zambian must be made aware of the dangers of allowing such a regime to return, of the systematic erosion of accountability and justice that took place under Lungu’s watch.
The UPND has a responsibility to shine a spotlight on the scandals, the mismanagement, and the exploitation of state resources that characterized his tenure.
UPND cannot afford to let complacency cloud their judgment. Lungu is no ordinary opponent; he is a former head of state with a formidable network and an unwavering determination to return.
His influence, his resources, and his willingness to exploit Zambia’s economic struggles make him a political force that could destabilize everything the UPND stands for.The stakes are simply too high to ignore him.
The task before the UPND is not just about defending a government; it’s about safeguarding Zambia’s democracy and ensuring that the country does not fall back into the hands of a regime that prioritized the wealth of a few over the welfare of the many.
Lungu’s ambition is not rooted in serving the people of Zambia—it’s driven by a desire for revenge, power, and the reinstallation of a corrupt system. If the UPND fails to recognize this, if they fail to prepare, Zambia risks a return to the darkest days of its recent history.
Why UPND Cannot Afford to Underestimate Edgar Lungu’s Political Resurgence*
*By Daimone Siulapwa*
Edgar Lungu is back on the political scene, and the UPND government would be making a catastrophic mistake if they dismissed his return as inconsequential.
This isn’t just about Lungu as an individual—it’s about the massive, calculated machinery of influence, power, and wealth that he commands.
He is not only a former president with years of political experience but also a cunning strategist surrounded by a network of powerful allies both within and beyond Zambia’s borders.
If the UPND overlooks this threat, they risk jeopardizing the very democracy they seek to protect.
Lungu’s comeback is more than just a political maneuver; it’s a rallying call to a fractured but determined base that feels disillusioned by the UPND’s leadership.
*The economic challenges Zambia currently faces are the fuel he needs to paint the UPND as a government that has “failed” to deliver on its promises.*
The irony is sharp—these economic troubles largely stem from the ruinous debt and reckless spending policies of Lungu’s own administration, yet he seeks to leverage this very crisis to catapult himself back into relevance.
The UPND should recognize this tactic for what it is: a calculated strategy to rewrite history, deflect blame, and offer a hollow promise of “solutions” that he once failed to provide.
Let us not forget the war chest Lungu brings to this battle. Financially, he is heavily backed by a coalition of business tycoons, foreign interests, and political influencers who stand to gain massively from his return to power.
These backers are prepared to pour millions into a sophisticated campaign that would wage an unprecedented propaganda war on the UPND.
*This funding will drive a media assault, where misinformation, sensationalism, and manufactured outrage could dominate the discourse and manipulate public opinion.*
Lungu’s allies are determined, well-financed, and fully prepared to paint him as a “savior,” erasing the memory of his previous administration’s failures.
UPND must acknowledge that the financial and political backing Lungu has could create an environment ripe for unrest and social division.
This isn’t just an opposition bid; it’s an orchestrated campaign to destabilize the current government. UPND needs to confront this reality and counter it with a strategy of transparency and constant engagement with the Zambian people. They cannot afford to remain reactive while Lungu builds momentum.
*Equally concerning is the fact that even if Lungu is disqualified from running, his influence remains formidable. Any candidate he endorses will become the de facto challenger to President Hichilema in the upcoming elections.*
Lungu’s support would effectively anoint this candidate with the same financial and political resources he commands, turning them into a proxy for his own agenda.
The UPND would be wise to see this potential threat, preparing not only to confront Lungu directly but also to anticipate the rise of a potential surrogate who could galvanize opposition support under his shadow.
*Blocking Lungu through legal channels might seem an attractive option, but the UPND must tread carefully to avoid turning him into a martyr. By restricting his political activities, they risk fueling a narrative of oppression that Lungu would leverage to his advantage.*
He’s proven adept at playing the sympathy card, often casting himself as a “victim” when it suits his purposes. This time around, giving Lungu the gift of public sympathy would be a strategic blunder of the highest order.
The UPND must instead counter him openly and decisively, without resorting to tactics that could backfire.
The UPND government’s approach to this challenge needs to be measured and well-calculated. They should not give Lungu any ammunition that could be twisted into a narrative of victimization.
Instead, they must continuously remind the public of the staggering corruption and impunity that defined his administration. Every Zambian must be made aware of the dangers of allowing such a regime to return, of the systematic erosion of accountability and justice that took place under Lungu’s watch.
The UPND has a responsibility to shine a spotlight on the scandals, the mismanagement, and the exploitation of state resources that characterized his tenure.
UPND cannot afford to let complacency cloud their judgment. Lungu is no ordinary opponent; he is a former head of state with a formidable network and an unwavering determination to return.
His influence, his resources, and his willingness to exploit Zambia’s economic struggles make him a political force that could destabilize everything the UPND stands for.The stakes are simply too high to ignore him.
The task before the UPND is not just about defending a government; it’s about safeguarding Zambia’s democracy and ensuring that the country does not fall back into the hands of a regime that prioritized the wealth of a few over the welfare of the many.
Lungu’s ambition is not rooted in serving the people of Zambia—it’s driven by a desire for revenge, power, and the reinstallation of a corrupt system. If the UPND fails to recognize this, if they fail to prepare, Zambia risks a return to the darkest days of its recent history.
Daimone Siulapwa is a seasoned political strategist and analyst with over 20 years of experience in political planning and execution.
*_Want to be an MP or Counselor in 2026? Please talk to us._*
The comeback of Lungu is very simple. UPND is a failed project and people are comparing what they had during Lungu and what we have today. If HH delivered in his promises we would not be talking about Lungu today.
I am not a Lungu fan but the economic challenges we are facing have nothing to do with Lungu or the previous regime. The challenges are the unnecessary tax incentives to the mines, the selling of maize which was supposed to be in the strategic reserves, the maize we are now importing at a high cost, the continued lack of prudence in the use at Kariba, when we continued exporting power when we saw the alarm, and our neighbour we share Kariba with was prudent and does not have loadshedding to our level. These are the real issues
If the economic challenges we are facing were due to Lungu and the previous regime why did the UPND project fail from day 1. We were told that the UPND would be sworn in on day one by 10 hours and the kwacha would gain against the dollar by 14hrs. Was there also a drought between those 4 hours on that day in that that did not happen. You can explain using graphs
No they are not taking him lightly, that’s why they have destabilized the PF and taken him to court over his eligibility to stand as republican president. The only problem is that this is being done in amateurish way where even a nursery school child can see it. They have tried to reduce the number of PF MPs but this also was done childishly so it failed.
The strategy UPND is employing against Lungu or the opposition is flawed. The main opponent is Hunger in the Country. Trying to destabilize the Opposition isn`t the solution. Resources wasted on paying people like Chabinga and the rest is a waste.
Empower Citizens through Economic Empowerment programs and making finances available to S.M.E`s. The Incentives given to the mines at a colossal sum of over $1 Billion annually is misdirected.
The biggest problem in Zambia isn`t lack of resources but lack of Leadership.
Lungu will not return but I suspect he will make a dent in most of UPND strong holds
He has already said regardless of the courts decision he is standing in 2026
we all know that he misused and abused his authority and rumoured to have amassed great wealth
What some dont understand is that around 75 % dont give a damn as all they concerned about is their current day situation, cheap mealie etc etc which is not the case now
So he will be the leading opposition in 2026
Like it or not
I certainly dont like or respect him but who else can get away with the rhetoric he is spewing out
“It’s the economy, styopet”! Perform and fulfil key economic promises, and Lungu is out of the picture. It’s poor performance that is making Lungu look relevant.
Before the UPND’s triumphant climb to power in 2021, they were underestimated by PF. Similarly, the Democrats and Biden group belittled the Republicans, hence the humiliating defeat. But I think the Zambians also overrated Akainde’s capability.
Work Bank: Zambia’s economic outlook is very gloomy.
Zambia Daily Mail: Economic outlook very bright
*World Bank
Judging by the tone of his writing, Daimone Siulapwa has just exposed his pro-UPND sympathies.
Financially, he is backed by money he stole from the Zambian people. Such money always comes back and this is the way it coming back to the owners. Of course he cannot be underestimated, but his backing is the $300m he stole from KCM and other deals.
I disagree
One thing he is not is a thief
All this could be avoided if we did away with presidential immunity
But none are pursing this
Lungu was broke before 2011 and was living in Chawama as a drunkard in Lawrence Sichalwe’s house. Lungu was in office as long as Mwanawasa was, see the difference in the post presidential lifestyles of the two families. Over K200m gifts to his children is enough to conclude that Lungu is indeed a thief. The presidency is a low paying job however you look at it, it pays less than a head of department at a bank. But I totally understand you, there are men that also claim that their wives were raped when their women are caught in the act of cheating.
Tikki
“……I disagree One thing he is not is a thief….”
Were did he get all those properties gifted to his children ??
Were did he get the 23K million he declared after 18 months in office ………mana from heaven ??
Forwadee 2031
ECL politics are not politics. Remember that that person who was fired by President Sata used to enter SH illegally following ECL. ECL was influenced somehow. Can you tell. Who does not want to be come President, especially if your uncle is the President and he is somehow sick. And the one who was fired his professional was a clinical officer. Do you really know what a Clinical Officer can do with a begging orotundity at hand.
The author is creating castles in the air!! The situation in Zambia is not as complex as he is suggesting. Zambians made a protest vote against the PF. However, the party that was voted in lacked experience and was incompetent. Furthermore, the current president is no a statesman or national builder like his predecessors! His he is some sort of headman in a suit and is their to serve his kinsmen and his puppet masters abroad. There is a fresh wind in the region as new leaders are being ushered in that are determined to uplift the people.
The author talks about protecting the democracy he has gained under the Upnd administration…..if there was no democracy previously then there was not going to be elections that ushered in Hakainde Hichilema… second the brutal cadres have not disappeared but have only changed tactics; you disagree with them, they report you to ZP who have now taken over the duties of the brutal cadres.
There’s more oppression now which only a Upnd sycophant cannot see.
They report you only if you are taking freedom of expression too far……spreading profanities and rumours deemed likely to endanger the security of the nation………..
You cant just go around insulting and spreading rumours and inendos any how……….
Just campain In a civil way badala , and no-one will bother you……..
Forwadee 2031……….
The strategy UPND is employing against Lungu or the opposition is flawed. The main opponent is Hunger in the Country. Trying to destabilize the Opposition isn`t the solution. Resources wasted on paying people like Chabinga and the rest is a waste.
Empower Citizens through Economic Empowerment programs and making finances available to S.M.E`s. The Incentives given to the mines at a colossal sum of over $1 Billion annually is misdirected.
The biggest problem in Zambia isn`t lack of resources but lack of Leadership.
The majority of Zambians are not that fooolish……..People talk to former PF caders who are languishing and think they have heard the majority, no true at all………..
CDF and free education is a game changer…….
the rural population has grown, with a strong GRZ support base………
There is no way HH can lose to lungu, who if anything……..
Will be made to explain where he got the money to gift his millions, ……..
that show me which ministry I stole from wont wash when the time comes……….
The theif lives on borrowed time……….
Forwadee 2031………
No need to waste time on lungu. Concourt will rule him out of contention and that will be the end of him.
He has stated whether the court approves or disapproves he is standing in 2026
How will he stand if his face is not on the ballot…….???
I agree with you, if someone was in Opposition for that long would’ve known the errors, blunders and mistakes which governments before him were making and perfected them. He portrayed and presented himself to the Zambian people as the messiah and Mr know it all( visionary) spent and wasted last three years praising himself and persecuting his opponets. Needlessay if he has worked and revamped this economy he has nothing to fear and worry about.