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UPND Zambia, Anderson Kambela Mazoka House, Plot No. 168, Mulombwa Close, Rhodes Park, Lusaka (2026)

06/10/2026

Press Statement for Immediate Release

GOVERNMENT DISMISSES FALSE CLAIMS OF BAN ON CHURCH MEETINGS AND PUBLIC GATHERINGS

Government has noted information circulating on social media alleging that Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Patrick K. Kangwa, has directed the suspension of church meetings, overnight prayers, crusades and other public gatherings until 1st November 2026.

Government wishes to clarify that no such directive has been issued by the Secretary to the Cabinet or Government. The information circulating on social media is therefore false and does not represent a Government decision or directive.

Government remains committed to upholding the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Zambia, including the rights and freedoms relating to freedom of conscience, religion or belief and peaceful assembly.

In this regard, Government has noted with concern the attribution of the alleged directive to the Secretary to the Cabinet and urges members of the public to verify information purporting to originate from Government institutions or public officials before sharing or acting upon it.

The media and other persons engaged in the dissemination of information are similarly encouraged to verify such information with the relevant authorities before publication or circulation.

Government reiterates that official Government decisions and directives are communicated through established Government channels and authorised spokespersons. Members of the public are therefore encouraged to rely on official Government communication channels for accurate and verified information on Government policies, decisions and directives.

Government will continue to provide timely and accurate information to the public on matters of national interest.

(Original copy signed)
Thabo Kawana
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Informatiom and Media

6th October, 2026

06/10/2026

That's how the Admin stopped BOLA BETTING 😁

06/10/2026

GOVERNMENT PUSHES TO COMPLETE STALLED PROJECTS AS PAUL MUSHINDO UNIVERSITY HITS 70%
By Idah Livingi

CHINSALI — Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing stalled infrastructure projects in Muchinga Province, with construction works at Paul Mushindo University in Chinsali District now reaching 70 percent completion.

The university project, which commenced in 2013, stalled in 2018 under the initial contractor, COVEC Construction Limited, leaving the long-awaited institution incomplete for several years.

Works resumed in 2025 after Hua Jiang Investment Limited was engaged to complete the remaining works under a contract valued at more than K300 million.

Resident Engineer Speedwell Nkhoma said the project has recorded significant progress since the new contractor took over, with several key components now completed.

Mr Nkhoma said the completed works include plastering, installation of windows, roofing of two hostels and plumbing works, among other activities.

Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Brian Sichande, who inspected the project, said the resumption of construction demonstrates Government’s commitment to ensuring that stalled public infrastructure projects are completed and put to use.

Mr Sichande urged the contractor to accelerate construction works while maintaining the required standards to ensure the university is completed within the agreed timeframe.

He said the completed university will serve as an important education facility not only for the people of Chinsali and Muchinga Province, but also for students from other parts of Zambia and beyond.

Government says efforts will continue to revive and complete stalled infrastructure projects across Muchinga Province so that public investments are brought to fruition and the intended benefits are delivered to citizens.

(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM.

06/10/2026

A PROMISE MADE, A PROMISE KEPT

Following our visit to Bauleni Clinic on Saturday, where we took part in a cleaning campaign at the facility, a number of challenges were raised that require urgent attention.

Some of these issues are within my capacity to address personally, while others will require intervention through CDF funding.

As part of our immediate response, we managed to donate four blood pressure machines, an industrial weighing scale, gloves, masks, glucose test strips, and other essential supplies to the facility.

I sincerely hope these items will help improve service delivery and reduce waiting times, allowing patients to be attended to and processed more efficiently.

Our health facilities are critical to the wellbeing of our communities, and we must strengthen our maintenance culture if we are to serve our people better.

This is not just a responsibility; it is a commitment that continues to drive me.

A promise made is a promise kept.

Hon. Msaiwale Mlewa
Lusaka Central MP

06/10/2026

Admin is just passing 😎

06/10/2026

KAWANA URGES MEDIA TO REJECT PROPAGANDA, CHAMPION FACTUAL REPORTING AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

September 6, 2026

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana has urged media houses across the country to uphold professionalism and resist becoming conduits for propaganda, stressing that journalists have a responsibility to provide the public with factual, truthful and credible information.

Mr Kawana says the media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding and national discourse, and should therefore exercise caution by verifying information before publication or broadcast.

He stressed that media freedom comes with the responsibility to uphold ethical journalism, fairness and accuracy. His call is consistent with the Ministry’s stated vision of a well-informed citizenry and responsible media, as well as his recent emphasis on the importance of credible information in combating misinformation and disinformation.

The Permanent Secretary further encouraged media organisations to give greater attention to development programmes under the Grow Zambia agenda, saying citizens need accurate information about Government policies, programmes and opportunities that affect their lives. He said responsible coverage of national development would help communities better understand ongoing initiatives and participate meaningfully in the country's economic transformation.

Mr Kawana's remarks come at a time when the spread of misinformation and misleading content, particularly through digital platforms, continues to challenge information integrity.

The Ministry has emphasised that timely dissemination of accurate and authoritative information is essential to strengthening public trust and enabling citizens to distinguish facts from falsehoods.

He said journalists should therefore remain guided by professional ethics and the public interest, rather than allowing political interests, sensationalism or unverified claims to influence their reporting.

His message is that the media must remain a credible bridge between institutions and citizens informing the nation accurately while giving development issues the attention they deserve.

The call also comes as President Hakainde Hichilema continues to promote the Grow Zambia agenda as a framework for economic transformation, with the President recently urging Parliament to support reforms intended to advance the programme.

(C) The Falcon News

06/10/2026

UPND Livingstone Central Member of Parliament, Hon. Gracious Mayangwa, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to party structures across all wards in the constituency for their unwavering support, dedication and hard work during the elections.

As a token of appreciation for their efforts and commitment to the party, Hon. Mayangwa has donated one cow to each ward, recognising the important role played by grassroots structures in mobilising communities and contributing to the party’s electoral success.

The gesture is a demonstration of appreciation and solidarity with the party structures, while also encouraging them to remain united, committed and focused on serving the people of Livingstone Central.

Hon. Mayangwa has further reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the grassroots structures and ensuring that their contribution to the development of the constituency is recognised and valued.

06/10/2026

OFFICERS BLOCKING DEVELOPMENT WILL FACE ACTION - PHIRI

6th October 2026
By Sydney Chela

Government has warned public service workers who create bottlenecks and frustrate the implementation of development programmes that they will face action in accordance with the law.

Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Nicholas Phiri, says Government will not tolerate officers whose actions or inaction delay development programmes and affect the delivery of public services to citizens.

Mr Phiri says Government is undertaking reforms aimed at improving efficiency in local authorities and strengthening the implementation of decentralisation across the country.

He says decentralisation remains a key component of the Government’s development agenda as it seeks to empower local communities by transferring functions and resources to local authorities.

Mr Phiri says the reforms are intended to ensure that Government policies and development programmes are effectively implemented and translated into tangible benefits for citizens.

He has urged public officers to take responsibility for their roles and ensure that administrative processes do not become obstacles to development.

Meanwhile, Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr Milner Mwanakampwe has called on public service workers to work together in advancing the country’s development agenda.

Dr Mwanakampwe says national targets in agriculture, energy production and exports can only be achieved when public officers remain committed to their responsibilities.

He has also urged officers to identify and address challenges slowing down development and affecting service delivery.

The two Permanent Secretaries were speaking in Kabwe when Mr Phiri paid a courtesy call on Dr Mwanakampwe ahead of a consultative meeting with District Commissioners and principal officers from various local authorities.

(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM

06/10/2026

KAPALA: LOBITO CORRIDOR CAN DRIVE ZAMBIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH

LUSAKA — UPND Chifunabuli South Member of Parliament Hon. Peter Kapala says the Lobito Corridor presents Zambia with a strategic opportunity to expand trade, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen the country's position in the regional economy.

Hon. Kapala says the corridor should be viewed as more than a route for transporting minerals, but as an important economic link connecting Zambia to markets in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola and beyond.

He said the UPND Government under President Hakainde Hichilema is focused on using improved infrastructure and regional connectivity to support production, private-sector investment and broader economic participation.

“The Lobito Corridor is about much more than moving minerals. It is about creating an economic platform that connects Zambian producers, businesses and communities to wider opportunities,” Hon. Kapala said.

He noted that sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, construction, tourism, hospitality, mining services and information technology can benefit as investment and economic activity increase along the corridor.

According to Hon. Kapala, improved transport links can also help farmers and agro-processors reach larger markets more efficiently, while creating space for small and medium-sized businesses to participate in regional value chains.

He said young Zambians will need to position themselves for emerging opportunities by acquiring relevant technical and professional skills, particularly in areas such as engineering, logistics, ICT, agriculture, construction, mechanics and hospitality.

Hon. Kapala further encouraged Zambian businesses to explore partnerships with companies from Angola, the DRC and other markets, saying such cooperation can provide access to capital, technology, expertise and new customers.

He stressed that Zambia must ensure local businesses and citizens are adequately prepared to participate in the economic opportunities generated by the corridor.

“We must ensure that Zambians are not simply spectators as investment comes into the country. Our people must be prepared to produce, supply, provide services, invest and build businesses around these opportunities,” he said.

Hon. Kapala said investment in feeder roads, rail connectivity, skills development, access to finance, agriculture and local manufacturing will be important in ensuring that the benefits of regional connectivity reach communities beyond the main economic centres.

He also called for Zambia to use the opportunity to move beyond exporting raw materials by increasing local processing, manufacturing and value addition.

The Chifunabuli South MP said the country's geographical position gives Zambia an opportunity to strengthen its role as a land-linked economy and become an important link in regional trade.

“This is how Zambia can grow — by connecting infrastructure to production, production to markets, and markets to jobs and better livelihoods,” Hon. Kapala said.

He urged Zambian entrepreneurs, farmers and young people to prepare early and take advantage of the opportunities that greater regional connectivity can create.

Hon. Peter Kapala, MP
Chifunabuli South Constituency | UPND

06/10/2026

DEFENCE AND SECURITY EXPERTS FROM ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE MEET IN CHILANGA

Senior Defence and Security experts from Zambia and Zimbabwe are meeting in Chilanga to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The three day meeting will also prepare topics to be discussed at the Bi-National Commission to be hosted by Zambia in 2027 where President Hakainde Hichilema and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe will hold talks.

Speaking when he opened the Meeting of the Technical Experts of the Defence and Security Committee of the Zambia-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission this morning in Chilanga, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Mr. Maambo Haamaundu said the meeting must work to ensure that the peace and security which is prevailing in both countries is sustained.

Mr. Haamaundu said Zambia and Zimbabwe share a border of about 800 kilometers and the peace prevailing on either side of the Zambezi River must be sustained.

"Let us not lose track of the success we scored in the previous Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security (JPCDS) and the last Bi-National Commission (BNC). We need to build on that success and enhance our relations," said Mr. Haamaundu.

The Permanent Secretary assured the defence and security experts of the Zambian government's unwavering support in upholding peace in the region.

“The elevation of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security to the Bi-National Commission created a need to align our working arrangements with the new structure. The draft before us should therefore preserve the progress made under the JPCDS while providing clear guidance on how the defence and security committees will operate going forward,” said Mr. Haamaundu.

“As members of the Defence Forces, we have a responsibility to ensure that the final document is practical, clear and responsive to the security requirements of both countries,” he added.

Issued by:

Paul Shalala
Principal Public Relations Officer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

UPND Zambia

06/10/2026

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