News Digest - Monday, May 18th, 2026

Our nation continues to witness the tangible impact of the Constituency Development Fund across multiple constituencies, with healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship projects taking centre stage. At the same time, the political landscape is shifting as campaign season officially begins, and critical conversations around governance ethics and democratic freedoms demand our collective attention.

Main Stories

1. Uningi Health Post Commissioned in Mbala After Decade-Long Delay
   The Uningi Health Post in Mbala District, which stalled in 2015 due to lack of funding, has been officially commissioned through the Constituency Development Fund at a total cost of K1,748,620.22. The upgraded facility now includes a waterborne ablution block, water reticulation system with kiosk, solar lighting, medical equipment, and an incinerator—bringing essential healthcare access back to our communities after ten years of waiting.

2. Lusaka Central Receives First-Ever Mortuary and New Police Post Under CDF
   Government has handed over a newly constructed Police Post in Longacres at K830,500 and the first-ever mortuary at Bauleni Clinic at K2,520,454.13, both funded through CDF in Lusaka Central Constituency. These facilities will serve over 8,000 people, strengthening security response and finally providing dignified mortuary services to residents who previously had no such access within their community.

3. Munali Constituency Benefits from K9.7 Million in CDF Projects and Bursaries
   Immediate past Minister Mike Mposha commissioned multiple community projects in Munali Constituency, including two community grounds in Kaunda Square and Mtendere, a 1×3 classroom block at Kalingalinga Primary School with 60 desks, a semi-detached teacher's house at Chainda Primary School, and a rehabilitated solar-powered borehole at Kamanga Clinic. These investments directly improve learning conditions, recreational spaces, and water access for thousands of our fellow citizens.

4. Mandevu Entrepreneurs Receive K2.7 Million in CDF Grants
   One hundred and twenty-three beneficiaries including cooperatives, youth groups, women's groups and community-based enterprises in Mandevu Constituency have received K2.7 million under the CDF Empowerment Grants Component. Immediate past Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima, speaking through Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Zulu, affirmed government's commitment to improving livelihoods through sustainable entrepreneurship and small-scale business development.

5. Mansa Prison Nears Completion of Modern CDF-Funded Dormitory
   Construction of a 1 x 2 dormitory at Mansa Correctional Facility has reached 90 percent completion under the 2025 CDF, implemented by Mansa Municipal Council at K1,560,809.53. The facility will reduce congestion, improve sanitation, and create a more humane environment that strengthens rehabilitation and reform programmes for male inmates—reflecting our nation's commitment to dignified correctional services.

6. President Hichilema Directs Security Agencies to High Alert as Campaigns Begin
   President Hakainde Hichilema has ordered Zambia's security agencies to ensure peace and order as the official campaign period begins Saturday ahead of the August 13 general elections. Campaigns will run until the eve of the vote, and the President has assured that the law will be applied firmly and fairly to all citizens regardless of political affiliation, including members of his own UPND.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Justice:

• The Anti-Corruption Commission has warned public officials against accepting "talk time" rewards following remarks attributed to outgoing Health Minister Alex Katakwe, stating such conduct violates the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 and the revised Code of Ethics for the Public Service.

Political Developments:

• Former Lusaka Deputy Mayor Ketty Nanyangwe has withdrawn from the 2026 mayoral race, citing party unity and support for President Hichilema, while former Lusaka Central MP Mulambo Haimbe has also announced he will not seek re-election.

Sports:

• The Football Association of Zambia and Copper Queens Head Coach Nora Häuptle have resolved all outstanding matters following meetings with FAZ president Keith Mweemba, with Häuptle submitting her travel itinerary to lead the team at the Four Nations Tournament ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Community & Empowerment:

• The Telala Youth Group in Chama transformed their lives with a K15,000 CDF grant received in 2024, purchasing a K5,000 tailoring machine and upgrading from soya pieces to more nutritious meals through their small workshop.
• Changamukani Women's Club in Lumezi District, formed in 2003, secured a K150,000 CDF empowerment loan in 2023 and launched a successful piggery project that has improved living standards for all 23 members.

Education & Community Development:

• The 2025 Saint Ignatius College golf tournament raised over 500,000 Kwacha toward a 1 million Kwacha target for a football pitch, with over 10 corporate entities participating and Team Jacques and Partners winning with 106 points.

Health & Safety:

• The Ministry of Health detected a localised Viral Haemorrhagic Fever alert from a 46-year-old female patient in Luanshya District, admitted and isolated at Roan Antelope Referral Hospital on May 13th with symptoms consistent with haemorrhagic illness.

Security:

• A 59-year-old man was stoned to death by a mob in Samfya District on May 16 after witchcraft allegations following the disappearance of a 12-year-old boy in a suspected crocodile attack.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• The expanded CDF programme continues to demonstrate measurable impact across healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and correctional infrastructure—citizens should monitor project completion rates and fund disbursement transparency as election season intensifies.
• With official campaigns now underway and the President's directive for heightened security, maintaining peaceful electoral conduct will require collective vigilance from all political actors and communities nationwide.
• The ACC's firm stance on public official ethics, countering Minister Katakwe's remarks, signals an important institutional boundary that will test enforcement consistency as political interactions multiply ahead of August 13.