205 ViewsKAMBWILI RALLIES SUPPORT FOR MUNDUBILE IN LUAPULA MWANSABOMBWE – Veteran politician Chishimba Kambwili has dismissed the UPND government’s claims that more than 2.5 million children have returned to school as a result of the Free Education Policy, describing the figures as “false” and part of what he termed a series of unfulfilled promises made […]

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KAMBWILI RALLIES SUPPORT FOR MUNDUBILE IN LUAPULA

MWANSABOMBWE – Veteran politician Chishimba Kambwili has dismissed the UPND government’s claims that more than 2.5 million children have returned to school as a result of the Free Education Policy, describing the figures as “false” and part of what he termed a series of unfulfilled promises made by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Addressing thousands of supporters at a National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP) campaign rally in Mwansabombwe, Luapula Province, Kambwili said the August 13 general elections should be focused on removing the UPND from power.

The outspoken politician, who is contesting as a parliamentary candidate under Citizens First, has thrown his weight behind the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential ticket of Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, joining the opposition coalition’s nationwide campaign.

Kambwili urged opposition political parties to put aside individual ambitions and unite behind what he described as the strongest candidate capable of defeating the ruling party.

“The important thing now is to ensure President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND are voted out. We can only achieve that if political leaders put aside selfish interests and support the candidate with the greatest chance of winning, and that candidate is Brian Mundubile,” Kambwili told the cheering crowd.

Known for his colourful Bemba expressions and ability to draw large crowds, Kambwili accused the government of misleading Zambians on several key campaign promises.

Among the issues he challenged was the government’s assertion that the Free Education Policy had enabled over 2.5 million children to return to school.

He argued that while access to education is important, the reality in many public schools is characterised by overcrowded classrooms and inadequate learning resources, making the government’s claims misleading.

Kambwili further listed what he described as several unfulfilled promises by the UPND administration, saying many Zambians were disappointed with the government’s performance nearly five years after it assumed office.

Speaking at the same rally, Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile pledged to improve the quality of free education if elected into office.

Mundubile said an NRP-UP government would ensure that classrooms accommodate between 45 and 50 pupils, compared to what he said were current class sizes of more than 100 learners in some schools.

He also promised that his administration would provide free textbooks and school uniforms, arguing that free education should be accompanied by adequate learning materials and improved classroom conditions.

Education has emerged as one of the key issues in the 2026 election campaign, with the UPND citing the Free Education Policy as one of its flagship achievements, while opposition parties argue that the focus should now shift to improving the quality of education and addressing challenges such as overcrowding, teacher shortages and inadequate infrastructure.

The full video of Kambwili’s address is available on the Zambian Eye Facebook page.