The National Watch

09/09/2026

The Zambian Youngest Member of Parliament,I call him FTJ because of his height 🤣🤣🤣🤣oh sorry I forgot that he is no longer our PR he is now our Onalebo shade.

Congratulations to you my guy...... Honourable Shadrick Mwansa.

09/09/2026

ZAMBIA, MOZAMBIQUE MOVE TO STRENGTHEN JOINT SECURITY COOPERATION
By Idah Livingi

MAPUTO, Mozambique – September 8, 2026-Zambia and Mozambique have reaffirmed the need for stronger defence and security cooperation as the two neighbouring countries seek to safeguard regional peace and confront emerging transnational security threats.

The call was made during the Senior Officials Meeting of the 14th Mozambique-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security held in Maputo, where senior government and security officials from the two countries discussed ways of deepening cooperation.

Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni called for enhanced efforts to combat transnational crime, warning that failure to address security challenges could jeopardise the peace and stability enjoyed by the two countries.

Lieutenant General Nyoni, who is serving as Co-Chairman of the meeting, stressed the importance of strengthened coordination between Zambia and Mozambique in responding to shared security concerns.

The meeting comes as both countries continue to recognise the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining peace and stability, particularly in addressing security challenges that can cross national borders.

Meanwhile, Mozambique has commended Zambia for conducting peaceful elections which resulted in the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mozambique’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Victor Domingos Canhemba Jr., said Zambia’s peaceful electoral process and the re-election of President Hichilema provide an opportunity to further enhance defence and security relations between the two countries.

Mr Canhemba Jr., who is chairing the Senior Officials Meeting, expressed hope that Zambia and Mozambique would continue working together to maintain regional stability.

The development highlights the importance of continued bilateral cooperation between the two countries, with security officials emphasising coordination as a key tool in protecting peace.

Lieutenant General Nyoni is leading the Zambian delegation to the meeting, which includes Zambia’s Ambassador to Mozambique Derrick Livune and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Zambia Correctional Service and Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security.

The National Watch

09/09/2026

FRA SHOULD QUICKLY DISTRIBUTE TENTS TO PROTECT MAIZE - ENG. NZOVU

September 9, 2026
By Sydney Chela

Nangoma Member of Parliament Eng. Collins Nzovu has called on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to urgently provide tabling tents at maize-buying depots in the constituency to protect farmers’ produce and facilitate the resumption of maize purchases.

Eng. Nzovu made the call during a visit to Keezwa Ward, where he thanked residents for the confidence they had demonstrated in President Hakainde Hichilema and UPND candidates during the recent elections.

During a visit to a maize-buying depot in Mukubu Zone, Keezwa, the lawmaker confronted FRA officers following complaints from farmers that maize purchases had stopped at some depots.

The farmers also alleged that officers were being selective in determining whose maize to buy, particularly favouring those who had money.

Eng. Nzovu challenged FRA officers to conduct themselves professionally and ensure that all eligible farmers are given a fair opportunity to sell their maize.

He also expressed concern over the lack of proper slabs at some buying points, saying the absence of suitable tabling facilities was making it difficult for farmers to safely stack maize awaiting purchase.

The MP commended the community for taking the initiative to construct a temporary wooden slab where farmers could place their maize while waiting for the FRA to provide tabling tents.

He said the FRA should urgently deliver the tents to enable maize buying to resume and protect farmers’ produce, especially as some parts of the country had started experiencing rainfall.

Eng. Nzovu stressed that farmers should not be left with their maize exposed while waiting for the agency to facilitate its purchase.

(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM

09/09/2026

“NO ONE WILL DEVELOP MUFUMBWE FOR US” , KULAUNDA VOWS TO TURN COUNCIL INTO ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT
By Idah Livingi

MUfumbwe, September 9, 2026 — Newly sworn-in Mufumbwe Council Chairperson Kellies Kulaunda has declared that the next five years must be defined by action, accountability and tangible development, urging councillors to put residents at the centre of every decision.

Mr. Kulaunda made the commitment during the Council’s Oath of Office Ceremony held at Mufumbwe Civic Centre, where he and other newly elected local government leaders officially assumed their responsibilities.

He said the August 13, 2026 vote should not be viewed merely as an election of individuals, but as a mandate from the people for improved service delivery, development and a better quality of life across Mufumbwe.

Mr. Kulaunda said taking the oath was a solemn public commitment before God and the people, promising to discharge his duties with integrity, diligence, humility and accountability.

He outlined a development agenda for the 2026–2031 Civic Year centred on access to clean water, improved roads, functioning markets, quality health and education services, as well as increased opportunities for young people, women and persons with disabilities.

The Council Chairperson challenged the 18 Ward Councillors to work as one team, consult widely with residents and place community interests above individual considerations, stressing that effective local government depends on leaders remaining connected to the people they represent.

In one of his strongest messages, Mr. Kulaunda declared: “No one will develop Mufumbwe for us,” calling for collective action involving Central Government, traditional leaders, the Church, cooperating partners and the private sector.

He further welcomed the participation of Mufumbwe Members of Parliament, Hon. Davies Mbalau and Hon. Muzungu Nshamba, in Council business, saying their involvement would help strengthen coordination between national policies and development priorities at local level.

Mr. Kulaunda concluded by reminding the newly constituted Council that “leadership is service,” saying the next five years must be measured by the difference made in the lives of ordinary residents from the child in the classroom and mother at the clinic to the farmer in the field and entrepreneur in the market.

The ceremony was presided over by Resident Magistrate Hon. Manengu and attended by Council Secretary Robbie Chitambo, the 18 Councillors, traditional leaders and other distinguished guests.

The new Council has since reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, public participation and accountable leadership, setting the stage for a five-year term focused on turning the aspirations of Mufumbwe residents into practical development.

The National Watch

09/09/2026

STATEMENT ON THE REPORTED CASE OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN CHOMA

As a youth and women’s advocate, I am deeply concerned, saddened and disappointed by the reported case of gender based violence in Choma, involving a woman who was allegedly assaulted by her husband, a police officer.

What makes this matter particularly disturbing is that this is reportedly a woman who has been in marriage for 19 years. No woman should have to live with violence, fear or abuse in her own home, regardless of the circumstances surrounding a domestic dispute.

Gender based violence is not simply a “family matter” that should be brushed aside. It is a serious issue that affects the dignity, safety and wellbeing of women and families across our communities.

The fact that the alleged perpetrator is a police officer makes this matter even more concerning. Police officers are entrusted with protecting the public and upholding the law. Therefore, allegations of violence against a woman by an officer must be handled with the highest level of seriousness, professionalism and impartiality.

I welcome the Zambia Police Service's commitment to investigate the matter thoroughly. However, condemnation alone is not enough. If the allegations are proven, appropriate legal and disciplinary action must follow. No officer should be shielded from accountability because of the uniform they wear or the position they hold.

I further appeal for the victim to receive the necessary medical, psychological and legal support, and for her safety and dignity to remain a priority throughout the process.

As women and youth advocates, we must continue to speak against GBV wherever it occurs. Silence cannot be our response to violence against women.

A uniform must never be a shield against accountability.

I stand in solidarity with women who experience gender based violence and I call on our institutions and communities to do more not merely to condemn GBV when it happens, but to prevent it, protect survivors and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

Chantel Teba
Youth & Women’s Advocate

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

Annie Kakumbi has finally been sworn in as the Councilor for Shukwe Ward of Mufumbwe Constituency. Congratulations to you maama the only female councilor.

08/09/2026

Hon. Paul Poho Kawina has officially been sworn in as a Member of Parliament for Solwezi Central Constituency.

08/09/2026

NAWA NAWA’S LOYALTY WINS HEARTS BEYOND THE BALLOT
By Idah Livingi

LUSAKA, September 8, 2026 — Sometimes, an election can take away a position, but it cannot take away the character of a person. For Nawa Nawa, the 2026 General Elections may have brought disappointment, but reactions from members of the public suggest that his journey has won him something perhaps more difficult to earn respect.

Following a recent story highlighting Mr Nawa Nawa’s loyalty to the United Party for National Development (UPND), several members of the public took time to share their personal reflections on the man they say has remained humble, resilient and committed despite political disappointment.

For George Mwansa, Nawa Nawa represents a rare kind of leadership leadership driven not by position, but by the heart. He described him as a man with a “heart of gold” and someone who has shown young people that true leaders must remain strong even when circumstances do not go their way.

“He has shown how a leader should be, no matter what happens. For us youths, he has encouraged us. I always call him the man of the people and the boss of the youths,” Mr Mwansa said.

His message was followed by similar sentiments from Damian Chanda, who said what stands out about Nawa Nawa is not merely his loyalty to the party, but his natural humility and determination to keep fighting.

“Truly a leader, and not only loyalty but he is naturally humble. I like his fighting spirit and wish him big and great things in his lifetime,” Mr Chanda said.

Nana Harrison Mumba went even further, describing Nawa Nawa as a man whose response to disappointment should serve as an example to others. According to Mr Mumba, Nawa Nawa accepted what happened, picked up the pieces and chose to move forward rather than allow disappointment to define him.

“A man with a heart of gold, he has demonstrated true humility. He has accepted whatever happened and picked up the pieces, and he moved on. He is a real gem, a heart to emulate,” Mr Mumba said.

But amid the praise, there were also voices seeking to explain the political outcome from a different perspective. Muyuwa Given argued that the UPND’s loss in Lima Constituency reflected dissatisfaction among some voters over the candidate selection process.

Mr Given claimed that supporting a newcomer over a candidate he considered more established contributed to what he described as a protest vote against the party. His comments, however, represent his personal interpretation of the election outcome.

For Richard Nkunika, the story does not end with an election result. He described Nawa Nawa as a “true reflection of leadership” and a “strong tower which can never be shaken,” saying his ability to inspire people remains evident even after the electoral setback.

Mr Nkunika further expressed hope that President Hakainde Hichilema could consider Nawa Nawa for a future appointment that would enable him to contribute to youth representation and national development.

The powerful thread running through the reactions is that, for Nawa Nawa’s supporters, leadership is bigger than a ballot paper. It is about how a person behaves when the applause stops, when expectations are not met and when the political road becomes difficult.

And perhaps that is where Nawa Nawa’s biggest political lesson lies. An election can determine who occupies an office, but it does not necessarily determine who earns the hearts of the people.

As the dust settles on the 2026 elections, his supporters believe Nawa Nawa has demonstrated that losing an election does not mean losing one's purpose. For them, his loyalty, humility and resilience have kept alive a belief that his political journey may still have another chapter to write.

The National Watch