275 ViewsThe Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential ticket of Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have responded to accusations by President Hakainde Hichilema that they want to return to government and “eat” the country’s reserves. The response comes a day after President Hichilema officially launched his re-election campaign and used part of his speech to […]

275 Views

The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential ticket of Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have responded to accusations by President Hakainde Hichilema that they want to return to government and “eat” the country’s reserves.

The response comes a day after President Hichilema officially launched his re-election campaign and used part of his speech to warn voters against supporting the opposition alliance.

Speaking at the UPND campaign launch, President Hichilema referred to Mundubile and Makebi as “boys” and argued that the two were associated with the former PF administration, which he accused of weakening the economy.

The President further defended his government’s economic management and cited the country’s reserve position, saying citizens should not hand over leadership to people he suggested could reverse the gains achieved.

But speaking to journalists this morning while on campaign in Muchinga Province, Mundubile and Makebi offered a measured response after being repeatedly asked to react to the President’s remarks.

The two appeared reluctant to directly engage in an exchange of attacks but questioned why the Head of State dedicated attention to their campaign at what was expected to be a launch focused on presenting government achievements and future plans.

Mundubile said his campaign message remains centred on whether economic growth is improving the daily lives of ordinary Zambians.

He reiterated previous arguments that economic success should not only be measured by reserves, inflation figures and macroeconomic indicators but by citizens’ actual experiences.

According to the opposition leader, the concern for many Zambians remains the cost of living, access to jobs and whether economic growth is translating into benefits at household level.

Makebi Zulu also maintained that the opposition campaign would continue focusing on governance, freedoms and economic participation rather than personal exchanges.

The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has in recent weeks intensified campaign activities across several provinces and has increasingly positioned itself as a challenger to the ruling party’s economic narrative.

The exchange marks one of the clearest direct political confrontations between the President and the Tonse Pamodzi ticket since campaigns officially entered full gear.

The full response by Mundubile and Makebi can be watched in the video published on the Zambian Eye Facebook page.