326 Views …William Banda Wants Mulambo Haimbe Out The ruling UPND has warned party members against celebrating victories in the ongoing primary adoption rankings, insisting that the final decision on who will contest in the 2026 general elections rests with the National Management Committee (NMC). The development comes amid growing tension and internal fights within […]

326 Views …William Banda Wants Mulambo Haimbe Out

Likando Mufalali

The ruling UPND has warned party members against celebrating victories in the ongoing primary adoption rankings, insisting that the final decision on who will contest in the 2026 general elections rests with the National Management Committee (NMC).

The development comes amid growing tension and internal fights within the ruling party as adoption battles intensify across the country ahead of nominations next week.

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One of the major flashpoints has emerged in Lusaka Central Constituency where veteran politician William Banda has openly opposed the possible readoption of incumbent MP and Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe.

Mulambo Haimbe

Banda accused Haimbe of being an absentee Member of Parliament and claimed residents had been left without proper representation.

Speaking in Lusaka, Banda said he personally had to intervene in many community issues which should ordinarily have been handled by the area MP.

“We need a new MP in Lusaka Central. The current one has not been visible,” Banda reportedly said in reference to Haimbe.

He further warned that he would not campaign for Haimbe if the ruling party decides to adopt him for another term.

The situation in Lusaka Central has become more complicated following reports from party primary rankings indicating that Haimbe allegedly performed poorly, trailing in third position, while lawyer and journalist Dickson Jere reportedly emerged second.

The adoption process has exposed growing internal divisions within the UPND, with fears that some losing candidates and their supporters may opt to stand as independent candidates if dissatisfied with the final decisions.

In an effort to calm the situation, the party has now issued an internal memorandum cautioning members against premature celebrations and reminding them that primary rankings do not automatically translate into adoption.

In the memorandum dated May 13, 2026 and signed by UPND Chairperson for Elections and Campaigns Likando Mufalali, the party stated that candidate rankings alone do not determine who gets adopted.

“Accordingly, as resolved by the National Management Committee (NMC) in 2021, primaries or candidate-rankings do not in themselves amount to an automatic adoption,” the statement reads.

The memo further stated that the party considers several other factors before making final adoption decisions.

“Take notice that there are many other factors and processes the party undertakes before adopting a candidate,” Mufalali stated.

The party has since advised members to avoid unnecessary celebrations on social media and in public.

“Members are advised to avoid unnecessary celebrations either on social media or mainstream media, as such acts may lead to divisions,” the memo added.

Meanwhile, UPND Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso has reportedly warned party officials and members against protesting adoption outcomes, threatening disciplinary action against those who may rebel against the final decisions.

Liswaniso is said to have warned that party officials who would incite confusion or challenge adoption outcomes risk losing their positions within the party.

The ongoing adoption process has attracted huge interest nationwide, with the UPND reportedly receiving its highest number of applications at parliamentary, mayoral and local government levels since forming government in 2021.

Ironically, President Hakainde Hichilema remains the only candidate who went through the process unopposed for the presidential position.

Political observers say the intense competition for UPND adoptions reflects growing belief among politicians that the ruling party still stands strong chances of retaining power in the August 2026 elections despite mounting opposition pressure.

However, analysts warn that mishandling the adoption process could create internal rebellion capable of weakening the party in key constituencies and councils.