UPND Western Province calls for investigation into Luampa incident, rejects “violent” label

THE United Party for National Development (UPND) in Western Province has condemned attempts to portray the province as violent following an incident in Luampa District on Tuesday, 4th August 2026. In a statement issued by UPND Western Province Chairperson Kapelwa Mbangweta, the party said Western Province has remained one of Zambia’s most peaceful provinces, having

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THE United Party for National Development (UPND) in Western Province has condemned attempts to portray the province as violent following an incident in Luampa District on Tuesday, 4th August 2026.

In a statement issued by UPND Western Province Chairperson Kapelwa Mbangweta, the party said Western Province has remained one of Zambia’s most peaceful provinces, having conducted about 14 by-elections since August 2021 “without any major incidents of political violence.”

The statement comes after reports and circulating videos alleging that individuals believed to be supporters of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) discharged firearms during the Luampa incident.

“Western Province has never been associated with a culture of political violence or the use of firearms in political activities” the statement read.

The UPND has called on the Zambia Police Service to thoroughly investigate the allegations, establish the facts, and ensure that anyone found to have broken the law is brought to justice.

The party also took issue with NRPUP leaders, saying it was “ironic that a political party whose leaders have publicly questioned the economic viability of Western Province and opposed key development initiatives, including the proposed International airport, has now chosen to campaign in the very Province they previously suggested lacked economic potential.”

The UPND emphasized that while every political party has the constitutional right to campaign anywhere in Zambia, political activities “must be conducted peacefully and responsibly.”

“As UPND Western Province, we remain committed to preserving the peace and unity for which our Province is known. We urge all political parties and their supporters to reject violence, respect the rule of law, and ensure that political competition is based on ideas, policies and service to the people,” Mbangweta stated.

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