Councillors Defect to UPND
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (11-03-2026) --- Two councillors have defected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), citing the need to support President Hakainde Hichilema’s development agenda and economic reforms.
Speaking during a media briefing, UPND Acting Secretary General Gertrude Imenda said the decision by the councillors to join the party was influenced by the government’s development programmes and its message of national unity.
Imenda said the councillors were among many leaders who had recognised the changes taking place in the country and wanted to be part of the development process.
“After engaging with the President and hearing the message of development and unity, they decided that they want to be part of the progress that is taking place in the country,” she said.
She added that the government’s initiatives, including increased development funding to constituencies, had convinced many local leaders that the country was moving in the right direction.
Imenda also suggested that more defections could occur in the coming months, claiming that some opposition members were already considering joining the ruling party.
“Many people are watching what is happening in Zambia today. Some have already indicated that they are simply waiting for Parliament to be dissolved before making their move,” she said.
Chisamba Council Chairperson Frederick Choongo described the development as the beginning of a broader movement of leaders joining the ruling party.
“This is just the beginning. The doors are open to everyone who wants to support the vision of a united and peaceful Zambia,” Choongo said.
He added that many citizens were increasingly attracted to the leadership of President Hichilema because of his commitment to national unity and development.
Meanwhile, Mwakulungwe Ward councillor Lombe Kaweme said the decision to join the ruling party was motivated by the need to effectively deliver development to the people.
Kaweme said councillors had a responsibility to work with the national leadership to ensure that development reached their communities.
“The President cannot work alone. As councillors, we also have a duty to promote development in our communities, and that is why we have decided to join the UPND so that we can support the President more effectively,” Kaweme said.
Twasuka Ward councillor Matthews Musonda, who previously served as an independent councillor, said his decision followed consultations with his supporters.
Musonda said he had been encouraged by improvements in the country’s economic indicators, particularly the stability of the national currency.
“As someone with a background in finance, I have observed the stabilisation of key macroeconomic indicators. When you look at international currency trading platforms, the Zambian kwacha has shown signs of stability, which indicates progress,” he said.
Musonda added that local leaders must also take responsibility for implementing government programmes such as the Constituency Development Fund to ensure that development initiatives succeed.
He said councillors and other local leaders should support the President’s development agenda instead of blaming the national leadership for challenges related to implementation at the local level.
The defections come amid growing political realignments as the country moves closer to the next general elections.
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