The Republican Progressive Party (RPP) condemns, in the strongest terms possible, the tribal and disrespectful remarks being peddled on social media by Francis Kapwepwe identifying himself as “Why Me.” It is deeply unfortunate and highly irresponsible that a young person would resort to insulting the people of Southern Province and maliciously abusing His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema.

Let it be clearly stated: President Hakainde Hichilema is not the President of the Southern Province—he is the Head of State for the entire Republic of Zambia. Tribalism has no place in our national discourse, and any attempt to divide Zambians along tribal lines is not only unpatriotic but a direct threat to our peace, unity, and democratic values.
The conduct exhibited by Tiktoker Kapwepwe is shameful, unacceptable, and a betrayal of the values that Zambia stands for. Such behavior not only sows seeds of division but has the dangerous potential to incite tribal hatred and youth unrest across the country. As RPP, we view this young man as a bad seed in our society, and we urge the youth of Zambia not to entertain or share such toxic and divisive content.

It is disturbing that this young man supports the Patriotic Front, yet the party has remained silent. We urge PF to denounce such tribal and abusive rhetoric if they truly stand for national unity.

“Why Me” must understand that the freedom of expression he claims to be fighting for already exists in Zambia—but it does not mean the freedom to insult, demean, or divide others. And Zambia’s democracy cannot and must not be used as a platform to insult, demean others, or promote tribal divisions.

To the youth of Zambia: rise above hate and be champions of peace, tolerance, and national unity. Social media should be used to promote constructive ideas, not to inflame tensions.

We urge law enforcement agencies and relevant regulatory bodies to take necessary steps in handling such individuals whose actions threaten national harmony. Civil society, traditional leaders, religious institutions, and political parties must work together to educate and sensitize young people on the dangers of tribalism and hate speech.
Zambia is one nation, one people—united in our diversity.

Issued by:
Simangele Magodi-Republican Progressive Party (RPP) National Women Secretary

Misinformation and Half-Truths: The Danger of Rushed Journalism in the Mumba Case

A recent story making rounds on social media, spearheaded by Idah TV, has sparked significant public discourse regarding the alleged plight of Mercy Mwansa, a woman claiming to be the widow of the late Mike Mumba, a former State House employee. However, upon closer scrutiny, it becomes evident that the narrative presented lacks crucial details, leading to misrepresentations and misplaced political attacks.

While Idah TV is well known for highlighting the struggles of underprivileged citizens, the urgency with which this story was released without thorough verification from all parties, including Mumba’s family and the government has resulted in the spread of incomplete and misleading information. Responsible journalism demands deeper inquiry, particularly when dealing with sensitive matters that could unjustly implicate individuals or institutions, including the presidency.

The Reality Behind the Claims

Contrary to the widely circulated story, credible sources close to the Mumba family have clarified that Mercy Mwansa was neither legally married to the late Mike Mumba nor recognized by his immediate relatives. The legitimate wife of the deceased passed away in June 2024, months before Mumba’s own passing in November 2024. Family members only became aware of Mercy after Mumba’s death, and she was reportedly advised to seek legal validation of her claims through the courts, given the lack of official documentation proving her marital status.

Furthermore, while Mwansa asserts she bore three children with Mumba, the family only acknowledges one. Her lack of formal recognition in Mumba’s records, including documentation held by his employers and the state, makes it clear that the government’s role in this personal matter has been wrongly exaggerated.

Misplaced Political Accusations

Regrettably, some opposition figures, notably Emmanuel Mwamba, have seized on this incomplete story to drive an unfounded political narrative against the government and President Hakainde Hichilema. By amplifying an unverified story, Mwamba and his allies have attempted to create a scandal where none exists, fueling baseless allegations against the presidency. This reckless approach not only misleads the public but also damages the integrity of political discourse in the country.

It is important to note that President Hichilema’s sympathy message regarding Mumba’s passing remains sincere and well-intended. The efforts to twist his words to fit a misleading political agenda are disingenuous and should be condemned. No new developments have changed the president’s position, nor has the government been found at fault in this situation.

A Call for Responsible Journalism

While Idah TV’s commitment to bringing social issues to light is commendable, this case underscores the need for thorough investigative journalism. Before such stories are published, it is crucial to engage all relevant parties especially in cases that involve sensitive personal and political matters. Had Idah TV sought input from both Mumba’s family and government authorities before airing the story, a more balanced and factual narrative could have emerged.

Going forward, it is essential to separate genuine humanitarian concerns from politically motivated distortions. While the government will assess how best to assist Mumba’s children on compassionate grounds, there should be no room for misleading claims that seek to unjustly implicate the presidency.

The case of Mercy Mwansa serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rushed reporting and politically charged misinformation. Emmanuel Mwamba and other political figures should refrain from manipulating personal tragedies to advance their agendas. Instead, the focus should remain on facts, due diligence, and responsible storytelling. Meanwhile, media outlets like Idah TV must ensure that their reports present all sides of a story to avoid unnecessary confusion and misrepresentation.

The government remains committed to transparency and humanitarian support where necessary but not at the expense of truth and fairness.

Moses M’kandawire – UPND Media

Zambia is on course for a major reduction in fuel prices, thanks to the economic reforms and transparent bidding processes introduced by the United Party for National Development (UPND) government. While fuel prices have not yet dropped, recent developments in fuel procurement indicate that significant reductions are expected in the coming months.

For years, Zambia’s fuel pricing system was riddled with inefficiencies. Under previous administrations, the government relied on subsidies to artificially lower fuel prices, while the actual costs remained hidden. This approach was not sustainable, as it placed a heavy burden on the national budget. Recognizing this challenge, the UPND government took a bold step by removing fuel subsidies to establish the real cost of fuel and allow the market to dictate fair prices.

In addition to removing subsidies, the government revamped the TAZAMA pipeline, transitioning it from transporting crude oil to refined low-sulphur diesel. This shift has helped reduce transport costs and improve efficiency in the fuel supply chain. However, one of the most impactful changes has been the introduction of open bidding and competition among Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

Previously, fuel procurement was dominated by a few suppliers, limiting competition and keeping prices high. The UPND government opened access to the TAZAMA pipeline, allowing multiple suppliers to compete. This move has forced companies to bid competitively, ensuring that fuel is procured at the lowest possible cost.

Recent bidding results for the May 2025 fuel contracts confirm that these reforms are working. Agro Fuel Investments Limited, which had previously quoted fuel at $113 per metric ton, lowered its bid to $54.12 per metric ton in order to remain competitive. Due to Energy Regulation Board (ERB) rules, all other suppliers must now match this lower price, meaning Zambia is set for one of the most significant fuel price reductions in years.

While fuel prices have not yet dropped, these developments signal a clear shift in the country’s fuel pricing structure. The UPND’s approach of market-driven pricing, infrastructure investment, and open competition is creating a sustainable solution that will benefit both businesses and consumers. Instead of relying on subsidies that drain government resources, the new system ensures that fuel prices decrease naturally through fair competition.

As Zambia heads toward May 2025, all eyes will be on the implementation of these lower fuel costs. What is clear, however, is that the UPND’s policies are paving the way for a more stable, transparent, and affordable fuel market, a development that will have a lasting positive impact on the economy.

By Adrian Gunduzani

President Hakainde Hichilema has repeatedly touted the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as one of his main political successes. At the current rate, each constituency is set to receive almost K150 million. On paper, this is a significant amount of money poised to transform Zambia permanently. With three cycles already completed, one wonders how the respective constituencies managed to spend over K80 million—only the president knows.

Unfortunately, the effectiveness of presidential ideological programs in Zambia has long been a subject of debate, primarily due to their alignment with the interests of the sitting president. Often, these programs are designed more to bolster the president’s public image than to effect substantive development. Instead of yielding tangible results, they typically lead to a cycle of disappointment and resource misallocation, with successive administrations perpetuating a pattern of inefficiency emblematic of post-independence governance.

Since independence, various presidential initiatives—from cooperatives to agricultural advancements, and more recently, the Constituency Development Fund—have consistently demonstrated poor returns on investment. Millions of Kwachas have been spent with very little to show for it. Despite official proclamations of success, these programs have been characterized by a wastage of state resources. At best, they lack accountability, while government-controlled media project an image of progress. Unfortunately, comprehensive accounting of the financial losses incurred due to these initiatives remains obscured. One still cannot find a report on the misuse of these funds—conspicuously keeping hidden the corruption that underpins these programs. This recurring theme can aptly be described as “the Zambian way.”

Today, President Hakainde Hichilema’s management of the CDF exhibits similar shortcomings. State media outlets convey assurances of its effectiveness; however, the outcomes suggest otherwise. High-profile expenditures—such as the procurement of police vehicles and ambulances using CDF allocations—raise critical questions regarding the logic underpinning this funding strategy. With established ministries, such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs, designated to oversee such assets, one wonders why these ministries do not utilize their respective budget lines for vehicle acquisitions. Instead, it appears that these purchases serve as instruments of political propaganda aimed at projecting the flawed success of a fundamentally misguided ideological program.

Furthermore, a notable characteristic of these programs is the substantial funding allocated without robust mechanisms for accountability. The overarching political motivations driving these initiatives often exempt them from the scrutiny typically demanded of public expenditure. Questions surrounding project viability and oversight remain inadequately addressed: Who assesses the effectiveness of the funded projects? What accountability frameworks exist for beneficiaries who apply for or misuse allocated funds? Who qualifies to evaluate the viability of a cooperative or loan applicant? And what are the consequences of failing to repay loans? While local government has been designated as the appropriate administrative body for these funds, doubts persist regarding its capacity to manage the array of projects inherent to the CDF. The ministry’s original mandate did not include administering the CDF; in short, it is not qualified to manage it. The president should have established a different body to administer this fund!

As Zambia approaches the 2026 elections, one can anticipate an intensification of propaganda surrounding the CDF. However, despite the claims dominating the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), a dissonance exists between official narratives and the lived experiences of the populace. The critical question persists: How much public money has been expended on these initiatives, and how does that figure compare to the positive outcomes depicted in governmental communications?

In summary, the CDF—much like its predecessors—risks relegating itself to the annals of political rhetoric, devoid of genuine accountability and effective governance. The challenge remains to break free from the cycle of propaganda and demand a more transparent and responsible approach to public resource management in Zambia. The CDF is, at best, wasted money, and at worst, stolen money!

By Kapya Kaoma