303 ViewsMUNGWI, NORTHERN PROVINCE, July 2, 2026 – Veteran politician Ng’onga Samuel Mukupa on Thursday made a surprise appearance at the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP) campaign rally in Mungwi, where he declared that God had chosen Brian Mundubile to become Zambia’s next President after the August 13 General Election. Addressing thousands […]

303 Views

MUNGWI, NORTHERN PROVINCE, July 2, 2026 – Veteran politician Ng’onga Samuel Mukupa on Thursday made a surprise appearance at the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP) campaign rally in Mungwi, where he declared that God had chosen Brian Mundubile to become Zambia’s next President after the August 13 General Election.

Addressing thousands of supporters who gathered for the rally, Mukupa said the large crowds attending campaign meetings addressed by Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were evidence of growing national support for the opposition alliance.

Using his trademark Bemba oratory that has made him one of Zambia’s most recognisable political campaign speakers over the years, Mukupa said the momentum behind the NRP-UP campaign would spread far beyond Northern Province.

“The crowds you are seeing wherever Brian Mundubile goes are not by accident. God has chosen him, and wherever he campaigns people will gather because it is his time,” Mukupa told the cheering supporters.

He further claimed that the outcome of next month’s general election was becoming increasingly clear and urged Mundubile to begin preparing for the responsibilities of governing should he win the presidency.

Mukupa also argued that the ruling UPND was facing a difficult electoral contest, saying the political mood across the country was changing in favour of the opposition. The remarks were made during his address at the campaign rally.

FROM left: Lusaka Province Women chairlady Margaret Mumba, Lusaka deputy mayor Mulenga Sata, PF member of central committee Samuel Mukupa, President Sata’s campaign manager Willie Nsanda and Lusaka Province chairperson Horace Longwe during the Patriotic Front Lusaka Province 2nd provincial consultative meeting at Nakatindi Hall

Veteran campaign strategist returns to the political stage

Mukupa is one of Zambia’s most experienced political campaign strategists and public speakers, having been actively involved in national politics for nearly three decades.

He first rose to national prominence during the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) administration under former President Frederick Chiluba, serving as a Member of Parliament and a senior party official.

In 1999, Mukupa was among senior MMD leaders dismissed by President Chiluba after supporting then Defence Minister Benjamin Mwila during internal succession debates within the ruling party. Following their departure, Mukupa joined Mwila and other allies in establishing the Republican Party, which was later renamed the Zambia Republican Party (ZRP).

Ahead of the 2006 General Election, Mukupa joined the Patriotic Front (PF), where he became one of the party’s most influential campaign mobilisers and public speakers, particularly in Bemba-speaking regions. Together with the late Willy Nsanda, he played a significant role in organising and energising campaigns for the late President Michael Sata.

Mukupa later served as campaign manager for former President Edgar Lungu during the 2015 presidential by-election, the 2016 General Election and the 2021 General Election.

Following the PF’s defeat in the 2021 elections, he stepped away from frontline politics and became associated with the PF Council of Elders alongside former Vice-President Inonge Wina.

His appearance at Thursday’s NRP-UP rally marks his return to active campaign politics after several years and provides Brian Mundubile’s campaign with the backing of one of Zambia’s most experienced political mobilisers as the race towards the August 13 General Election gathers momentum.