Mi Media

24/05/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

24th May 2026

NGOCC NATIONAL UPDATE ON WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION, CANDIDATES ADOPTIONS AND NOMINATION PROCESSES AHEAD OF THE AUGUST 13 ELECTIONS

First and foremost, NGOCC wishes to remind the nation that its core mandate is to advocate for the equal participation of women and men in the governance and development of Zambia. Central to this mandate is the promotion of women’s participation in political leadership, an area in which Zambia continues to record persistently low levels of female representation.

It is against this background that NGOCC mounted rigorous engagement meetings with political parties ahead of the 13th August 2026 General Elections to advocate for the adoption of more women candidates. Our advocacy was premised on the understanding that if women are not placed on the ballot, voters are denied the opportunity to elect women to leadership. Political parties therefore remain central to advancing Zambia’s gender equality aspirations through deliberate, inclusive and balanced adoption processes.

Given the above, NGOCC now wishes to provide an update on its engagements with political parties, the adoption process and the filing of nominations ahead of the crucial August polls.
During the engagements NGOCC submitted proposed lists of qualified women for consideration by the political parties. We wish to thank and commend all the political parties we reached out to, as they demonstrated openness to dialogue and consideration of women candidates throughout this process. In parallel, we engaged aspiring independent female candidates and provided mentorship and guidance to some women seeking adoption, particularly on navigating the often rigorous and highly competitive adoption process.

At the commencement of nominations, NGOCC extended solidarity and support to female aspirants across the country. We supported women contesting under various political parties as well as independent candidates. We are encouraged by the notable number of women who successfully filed their nominations, marking an important step forward in strengthening women’s political participation and representation.
NGOCC now awaits the official list of validly nominated candidates from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to assess the extent to which female representation has been reflected among adopted candidates.

However, NGOCC regrets the violence, corruption, confusion and irregularities that characterised some nomination events across the country, including reports of duplicated and disputed adoption certificates. We are further concerned that while supporting one female aspirant, members of the NGOCC team were detained by police under circumstances that fall short of the democratic values and freedoms Zambia upholds. Political violence remains one of the major barriers preventing many women from actively participating in politics and seeking public office, as it creates fear, intimidation and an unsafe environment for women aspiring for leadership.

NGOCC therefore strongly calls on all political parties, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to uphold peace, fairness, transparency and inclusivity throughout the electoral process. As the country transitions into the official campaign period, we urge all stakeholders to prioritise peaceful, issue-based, inclusive and violence-free elections.

ISSUED
For/NGOCC

Beauty Katebe
NGOCC Board Chairperson

24/05/2026

18/05/2026

13-year-old school boy arrested for criminal trespass

By Joseph Chanda and Fulman Mukobeko

A 13-year-old pupil of Chilanga District is in a state of shock after being tortured while in detention at Musamba Police Post for the alleged criminal trespass offense.

Police beat up the juvenile causing bodily harm.
His father Allan Tembo bitterly complained that the juvenile was detained in the police cell without being charged for the prolonged period contrary to President Hakainde Hichilema’s inaugural speech.
Mr. Tembo said his son had no offense as the plot in question at Muyeko Farm he allegedly trespassed belongs to him and not the complainant Chinyimba Kaseke.
The juvenile, a form one pupil is alleged to have trespassed at Mr. Chinyimba Kaseke’s yard on Muyeko farm plot in Chilanga.

The incident occurred on 8th May, 2026 when police officers apprehended him and confined him at Chilanga Police Station and later taken to Musamba Police Post without a charge.

Reports suggest that he is traumatized after being beaten by police at Musamba Police Post.
According to sources talked to, Tembo was detained in unclear circumstances due to differences between his father and the complaint over a land dispute tracing back to 2018.
Chinyimba alleges that Mr. Tembo encroached on his land and the matter is active in the Lusaka High Court.
In the same matter, Mr. Chinyimba is facing a criminal case for breaking the wall fence of Mr. Tembo while the former sued the latter in the civil case.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tembo cried foul that the victim was falsely detained when he was supposed to be in school.
“I am very surprised that trained police officers who went to arrest my son threatened my defenseless care taker with guns. Imagine she was just coming from the hospital,” he complained. “These police men were in wearing plain clothes. So can the police command in Chilanga tell us who they are,” Tembo said.

Mr. Tembo has since appealed to the Inspector General (IG) of Police Mr. Graphel Musamba to intervene in the matter so that his son can go to school.

“I wish to urge the Inspector General of police Mr. Musamba to help release my son because he didn’t commit any crime, and that he was on our land and not his (Mr. Kaseke’s) plot,” Tembo said.

Mr. Tembo has further called for justice in the case of his son who was
arrested last Friday and has been in custody for over five (5) days now.
Tembo (the victim) has since been taken to Musamba police post within Chilanga.

When contacted for a comment, Zambia police public relations officer, Mr. Godfrey Chilabi could neither confirm nor deny the incidence.
“I contacted the officer in charge of Chilanga Police Station officer. He is yet to avail details of that particular matter,” Chilabi said.
Tembo (the victim) has been in custody from last Friday, 8th May, 2026.

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
PRESS RELEASE (For Immediate Release)

Government Tightens Rules On Trade Union Registration

Lusaka, Zambia 14th May, 2026-In a bid to strengthen effective workers’ representation, Government has moved to discourage fragmentation in the labour movement through the issuance of Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2026, which introduces new measures aimed at promoting unity, accountability, and coordinated solutions within trade unions across the country.

The new regulations, signed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, issued under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, introduce stricter conditions for the registration of trade unions, a decisive move aimed at addressing the growing proliferation of unions.

The Statutory Instrument was promulgated following broad consultations with trade unions and employers, who expressed concern over increasing fragmentation within the labour movement, noting that some individuals were prioritising personal interests over the welfare and representation of workers.

Government believes that through solidarity, coordination, and collective action, the labour movement can achieve greater results than through fragmented and isolated voices.

The reforms are also in line with the Constitution of Zambia, which allows for reasonable conditions in the registration and regulation of unions, while remaining in conformity with accepted International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards on freedom of association and the right to organise.

Groups seeking to register a trade union will now be required to secure support from at least two unions within the same sector and two unions outside the sector before registration can be granted. The reforms are designed to promote unity, sector coordination, and genuine representation of workers.

Government has also moved to strengthen integrity standards within the labour movement by barring individuals linked to financial misconduct, dishonesty, abuse of union funds, bankruptcy, legal disqualification, or repeated union fragmentation from participating in the registration of new unions.

The regulations further stop the re-registration of de-registered unions whose cancellation resulted from misconduct by union leadership, reinforcing Government’s commitment to accountability and responsible union governance.

The Ministry would like to make it clear that the reforms are not intended to restrict freedom of association, but rather to strengthen the integrity, stability, and effectiveness of trade unions in representing workers’ interests. The regulations also provide flexibility for emerging sectors that do not yet have existing trade unions.

Government remains devoted to protecting workers’ rights and freedom of association while ensuring that the labour movement remains organised, credible, and responsive to the interests of employees across the country.

Issued By:
Mwaka Ndawa(MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Labour and Social Security

13/05/2026

MAKENI CONSTITUENCY COULD BE LUCKIEST TO HAVE MARK SIMUUWE AS THEIR MP

May 12-2026

As Zambia continues on its path of democratic consolidation and national development under President Hakainde Hichilema, the emergence of capable, loyal and visionary leaders at constituency level remains critical. Among the individuals who stand out as a strong and credible candidate for the newly created Makeni Constituency is Mark Simuuwe, a dedicated member of the United Party for National Development (UPND) whose commitment to the party and the country has been visible for many years.

Mr. Simuuwe has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the ideals of the UPND. During some of the most challenging moments in the party’s history, including the widely discussed treason case involving the President, Mr. Simuuwe stood firm in defending democratic principles and the party’s position. His voice was consistently heard on national media platforms such as Prime TV Zambia, where he articulated the party’s stance and encouraged citizens to rally behind the vision of a better Zambia.

Throughout the intense period leading to the historic 2021 general elections, Mr. Simuuwe remained actively involved in mobilizing support for the UPND and its presidential candidate. His dedication did not end with the election victory. Instead, he continued to contribute his voice and expertise in defending government policies and explaining the New Dawn administration’s reform agenda to the public.

In his role as an assistant within the office of the party Secretary General and as a media consultant, Mr. Simuuwe played an important role in aligning party programs, planning strategic events, and ensuring their successful implementation. His ability to coordinate communication and political messaging strengthened the party’s outreach and ensured that its activities were effectively delivered to the Zambian people.

Following his appointment as Party Media Director, Mr. Simuuwe has remained one of the consistent defenders of the policies and developmental agenda being implemented by President Hakainde Hichilema. Through various media engagements, he has continued to explain government programs, counter misinformation, and amplify the achievements of the New Dawn administration.

Many observers believe that Mr. Simuuwe possesses qualities that make him a perfect fit for Makeni Constituency. He is among the few political figures who deeply understand the policy direction of President Hakainde Hichilema and the broader development blueprint of the UPND government. This understanding places him in a strong position to effectively represent the aspirations of the people while aligning constituency development with national priorities.

Equally important is Mr. Simuuwe’s people-centered leadership style. Known for embracing individuals from all walks of life, he believes in inclusive leadership that listens to citizens and responds to their concerns. His approachable nature has earned him respect among party members, community leaders, and ordinary citizens alike.

Furthermore, Mr. Simuuwe is widely recognized as a confident public speaker and policy advocate. Unlike some Members of Parliament who remain largely silent after being elected, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to articulate issues clearly and confidently in public forums. His communication skills would ensure that the concerns of Makeni residents are actively raised and debated in Parliament.

As the newly created Makeni Constituency prepares to choose its representative, many believe that Mark Simuuwe brings experience, loyalty, and a strong voice that could effectively champion development in the area. With his proven dedication to the United Party for National Development and his consistent support for the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, Makeni Constituency could indeed be fortunate to have such a committed servant of the people as its Member of Parliament.

BetterDaysarecoming!

©UPND ZAMBIA

07/05/2026

05/05/2026

OPPOSITION UNITY CANNOT BE BUILT AROUND INDIVIDUALS OR PERSONAL AMBITIONS, KBF DISCARDEDS MUNDUBILE’S DESPERATE CALL FOR “UNITY”

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗭𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗔

𝗔𝘀 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 (𝗭𝗠𝗣), we acknowledge the recent call by Hon. Brian Mundubile for the opposition to unite in order to liberate our country from the challenges currently facing it under the UPND administration.

We wish to set the record straight: Zambia Must Prosper has never refused to work with any opposition political party. On numerous occasions, we have made it clear that we remain open and ready to collaborate with any opposition force that presents a clear, structured, and people-centred roadmap for national development.

However, we must emphasize that opposition unity must not be built around individuals or personal ambitions. Zambia has already experienced the consequences of such an approach. In 2021, the opposition made a fundamental mistake. The focus was not on what we would deliver for the Zambian people, but on removing the Patriotic front government at all costs. That narrow objective created an outcome the country is now grappling with. We will not repeat that error no matter how loudly unity is being preached today.

Unity should not merely be about removing the 𝗨𝗣𝗡𝗗 or 𝗛𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮 from office. It must be anchored on credible solutions, practical policies, and a shared vision that addresses the real challenges faced by our citizens. The question we must all answer is simple: 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲?

At 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿, we stand firmly for service to the people. We are willing to support or work with any political party whose ideology genuinely aligns with the aspirations and welfare of the Zambian people not personal or political convenience.

As leaders, when we call for unity, we must look beyond ourselves. Are we prepared to step aside if the people demand that another leader takes the lead for the greater good? True unity requires humility, honesty, and sacrifice.

We also urge all political leaders to be truthful and transparent in their engagements. Zambians must not be misled by rhetoric that masks self-interest. Our people are looking for sincerity, not political maneuvering.

𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 remains cautious and deliberate when it comes to alliances. This is informed by the lessons learned from our past engagement in 2021 with the 𝗨𝗣𝗡𝗗. We will not be part of any alliance that risks betraying the trust and expectations of the Zambian people in the future.

Unity must serve the people. If it does not, then it is not unity it is manipulation.

𝗞𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝘂𝗯𝗲 𝗕𝘄𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗮
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 (𝗭𝗠𝗣)