183 Views It is all systems go for the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP) rally in Mpika, Muchinga Province. The rally will be addressed by NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu. Earlier in the day, police officers were deployed in full riot gear and sealed off Mpika […]

183 Views

It is all systems go for the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP) rally in Mpika, Muchinga Province.

The rally will be addressed by NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu.

Earlier in the day, police officers were deployed in full riot gear and sealed off Mpika Boys Grounds in Mpika, Muchinga Province, hours before a planned political rally.

Supporters arriving at the venue were reportedly turned away as officers blocked all entry points. The operation was still ongoing at the time of reporting.

Grindstone TV said no official reason has been given for the police action. The Zambia Police Service had not issued a statement by press time.

Background: The National Rally for Peace and Progress is a new political party led by Brian Mundubile, who is also contesting the presidency in the 13 August 2026 General Election with running mate Makebi Zulu. The party is part of the opposition field ahead of the polls.

Mpika’s political significance: Mpika is Mundubile’s home district in Muchinga Province, a region that has traditionally been a PF stronghold.

Opposition rallies in Muchinga often draw large crowds and heightened security attention during election periods.

Pattern of rally restrictions: Police blocking opposition gatherings is not new in Zambia’s election cycles. Both the 2016 and 2021 campaigns saw similar disputes over Public Order Act notifications, with opposition parties alleging selective enforcement while the police cite security and procedural requirements.

Election context: The incident comes weeks before ECZ begins phased printing of ballot papers in Dubai for the August 13 election. Tensions over campaign space have been rising as parties intensify mobilization.

Authorities are expected to clarify whether the blockage relates to permit issues, security concerns, or other factors.

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Meanwhile, Zulu speaking on radio before the rally said he and Mundubile understand governance having been Provincial Ministers before.

And Mundubile said President Hakainde Hichilema is focused on impressing the world, forgetting the poor suffering Zambians.

Zulu said that, as former provincial ministers for Eastern and Northern Provinces respectively, he and Mundubile had a better understanding of governance.

“Being a former Minister for Eastern Province and the President being the former provincial minister Northern Province, we understand governance unlike President Hichilema who is from the corporate world. It took some time for him to understand [governance],” Zulu said.

Zulu further claimed that President Hichilema had taken time to fully understand the demands of governing the country.

Speaking on Yusuf Radio this morning, the NRPUP Presidential running mate said it was pointless to keep large amounts of money in reserves merely to stabilise the dollar while many Zambians were struggling, financially.

Zulu argued that the failure to pay some contractors meant there was less money circulating among citizens.

He also accused the UPND government of misleading Zambians on a number of issues.

Mundubile, who is also Tonse Pamodzi Alliance president said the UPND government’s focus appears to be on gaining international recognition for the performance of the Kwacha and maintaining high foreign reserves, while many ordinary citizens face economic hardships.

He criticised the government for boasting about having over US$6.5 billion in foreign reserves when some contractors have allegedly not been paid for work done.

“President Hakainde Hichilema’s focus is to gain international accolades that the Kwacha is doing well,” said Mundubile.

“For us,” he continues, “our focus is the people of Zambia. We want to ensure that farmers receive farming inputs on time and that contractors are paid promptly.”

Mundubile said during his tenure as Northern Province Minister, the Province experienced significant development, including the construction of hospitals and schools.

He assures that, once elected into office, his government will prioritise the welfare of Zambians rather than seeking international accolades while citizens continue to struggle.

© TV Yatu | Noel Iyombwa | June 29, 2026.