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Consortium Challenges Health Bill

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Health groups reject reforms, warn against increased private sector influence in regulation, call for revisions to protect integrity of health regulation and demand meaningful consultation and representation By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia — (13/04/2026) A consortium of seven health professional associations representing over 86 percent of Zambia’s regulated health workforce has challenged the proposed Health Professions (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2026, rejecting the reforms and warning that they risk increasing private sector influence, undermining regulatory integrity and excluding practitioners from meaningful participation. Speaking during a joint media briefing, Clinical Officers’ Association of Zambia (COAZ) Secretary General Dr. Musonda Kamfwa said the consortium opposes the bill in its current form because it seeks to alter the governance structure of the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) by reducing the role of health professionals while expanding non-practit...
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UPND Clear HH to Lead the Charge

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IEC confirms eligibility after verification process, nomination window closes without rival candidates By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (12-4-2026) --- President Hakainde Hichilema has been cleared to lead the United Party for National Development (UPND) into the 2026 elections after the Independent Electoral Commission confirmed his eligibility, and the party closed its nomination window without any rival candidates emerging. Chairperson of the Elections Committee, Likando Mufalali, said the party had successfully completed its internal electoral process from branch level up to provincial structures, enabling a smooth and fully compliant nomination exercise. Mufalali said all structures were in place following the conclusion of internal elections across all ten provinces, in line with the UPND constitution. “All required processes have been completed from the grassroots level to provincial leadership,” he said, adding that the exercise was conducted in a “transparent an...
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PF Suffers Major Setback

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Matero councillor Lee Mukupa defects to UPND, pledges to mobilise support and strengthen ruling party structures in the constituency By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia — April 11, 2026 The Patriotic Front (PF) has suffered a major setback in Matero following the defection of one of its most influential councillors to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), a development that further exposes growing cracks within the former ruling party’s structures. Lee Mukupa of Muchinga Ward 32 said when he crossed over to the UPND that his decision to abandon the PF was driven by what he described as a need to align with a political organisation grounded in unity, discipline, and structured leadership. He stated that over time, he had observed stronger coordination and inclusiveness within the UPND, in sharp contrast to what he implied were challenges within his former party. Mukupa said his departure from the PF reflects deeper frustrations among grassroots leaders who f...
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ZWW Rejects Unconstitutional Claims

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The Council Ms. Bupe A. Ponga, Mr. Kapembwa Simbao, and Mr. Murari Lungu violated internal political rules of engagement and insisted the action was within its constitutional mandate By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – (10/4/2026) — The Zambia We Want (ZWW) Party has rejected claims that its decision to terminate the membership of Ms. Bupe A. Ponga, Mr. Kapembwa Simbao, and Mr. Murari Lungu was unconstitutional, insisting that the action was carried out strictly within its constitutional and disciplinary framework. The party maintains that the affected former members engaged in unauthorised collaboration with other political parties, a move it says contravened internal rules and automatically triggered cessation of membership under its Constitution. Addressing the media, Information and Publicity Chairperson and Party Spokesperson, Charles Mwila Matambala, said the National Leadership Council acted within its mandate and followed established procedures in resolving the matter...
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Judiciary Picks praised

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The NGOCC c alls appointments a step forward for gender equality and inclusive governance By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24. --- (April 10, 2026 ) - The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has welcomed the appointments of 28 women out of 40 nominees to the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, describing the development as a significant step toward addressing long-standing gender imbalances within Zambia’s judiciary. NGOCC Executive Director Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela said the judicial appointments announced by State House on April 9, 2026, reflect notable progress in promoting gender equality and inclusive leadership within the country’s justice system. She said the increased representation of women demonstrates growing political will to advance merit-based appointments and recognition of the availability of qualified female professionals capable of serving at the highest levels of the judiciary. Ms. Mbewe-Anamela ...
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NCC Sets Quality Bar

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Call for accountability and improved construction standards By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (10 April 2026) – The National Council for Construction (NCC) has called for strengthened accountability, professionalism, and improved construction standards across Zambia’s construction sector, as government and industry stakeholders push for higher quality infrastructure delivery, expanded skills development, and increased local participation in major projects. Speaking during the 12th Combined Graduation Ceremony held on 10th April 2026 at the New Government Complex in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Prof. Albert Malama, said government is actively addressing structural challenges limiting Zambian contractors from fully participating in large-scale infrastructure projects. He said although most registered contractors are locally owned, their involvement in major projects remains limited, a situation he said requires...
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Procurement Gains, Gaps Persist

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ZIPS cites progress in CDF and infrastructure delivery but flags delays, weak compliance and skills shortages By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply says procurement and supply professionals are contributing to national development through improved project delivery, accountability and economic growth. However, it warns that major gaps still exist in the sector. ZIPS President Daniel Kabamba said positive results are being driven by improved use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), better infrastructure implementation, and growing professionalism among practitioners in both public and private sectors. He said local authorities have recorded progress in CDF utilisation, crediting procurement professionals for improving transparency and efficiency in project execution. Kabamba noted increased infrastructure development and improved service delivery, supported by stronger procurement systems and adherence to procedures. He als...
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