News Digest - Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

As our nation approaches the August 2026 general elections, critical developments in electoral governance, public health administration, and sports excellence have dominated the national conversation. Meanwhile, Zambians continue to demand accountability in public service delivery and infrastructure development across our provinces.

Main Stories

1. President Hichilema Calls for Peaceful Elections as Political Violence Emerges
   President Hakainde Hichilema marked Africa Freedom Day with a powerful appeal to all Zambians to reject violence, hate speech, and lawlessness ahead of the August elections, declaring that no political ambition exceeds our nation's peace and stability. His message carries particular weight following the disturbing attack on Gary Nkombo by suspected UPND cadres in Mazabuka during his nomination filing as an independent candidate, an incident that threatens the democratic fabric we all cherish.

2. Independent Broadcasting Authority Issues Comprehensive Election Coverage Guidelines
   IBA Director General Webster Malido has unveiled strict new directives for broadcasters ahead of August, mandating fair and balanced reporting, equitable advertising airtime allocation, and transparent disclosure of opinion poll methodologies including sources, sponsors, and sample sizes. These guidelines strengthen our electoral process by prohibiting campaign interviews on polling day, banning premature election result predictions, and requiring complaints to be resolved within two days—ensuring every Zambian receives accurate, unbiased information to make informed choices.

3. NHIMA Reaches 5.8 Million Members Yet Millions Remain Unregistered
   National Health Insurance Management Authority Director General Michael Njapau announced that NHIMA now covers 5.8 million members across formal and informal sectors, processing over 200,000 claims monthly and having digitally handled more than 12.5 million claims since establishment six years ago. However, with only about four million of 11.8 million eligible Zambians above 18 registered as principal members, this gap signals an urgent need for expanded outreach so more of our citizens can access affordable healthcare.

4. Power Dynamos Crowned Back-to-Back Super League Champions
   Football Association of Zambia president Keith Mweemba has congratulated Power Dynamos for successfully defending the 2025/2026 FAZ MTN Super League title, praising the Kitwe-based club's consistency, professionalism, and determination in a highly competitive environment. This achievement, which reflects strong leadership and technical quality, brings pride to our Copperbelt and inspires young footballers across our nation who dream of similar glory.

5. FAZ Appoints Charles Chakatazya as New General Secretary
   The Football Association of Zambia Executive Committee has appointed seasoned administrator Charles Chakatazya, former Nkana chief executive officer, to lead day-to-day operations at Football House, replacing Machacha Shepande who departed for an international posting. Iva Lengwe was confirmed as Deputy General Secretary after serving in an acting capacity, with FAZ president Keith Mweemba expressing optimism about this fresh leadership driving Zambian football forward.

6. Two Ministry of Health Employees Face Court Over K414,270 Theft
   Accountant Friday Ndawa and pharmacist Richard Chomba have appeared before Lusaka Magistrate Court charged with stealing K414,270 in public funds between January and December 2021 while employed at the Ministry of Health. This case reminds us that accountability in our public institutions remains essential—every kwacha stolen is a service denied to fellow Zambians in need of medicines and healthcare.

7. PF Excluded from August Ballot as Leadership Disputes Persist
   Former Matero PF MP Miles Sampa has expressed deep regret that the Patriotic Front will not participate in the August elections, confirming that his appeals to the Registrar of Societies, Attorney General, and President Hichilema proved futile. The party's inability to file nominations stems from prolonged internal wrangles and legal battles over leadership, leaving many of our citizens who supported PF without their chosen political home this election cycle.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Justice:

• ActionAid Country Director Faides Tembatemba has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia to exercise its powers under the amended Electoral Process Act to suspend or disqualify political parties for code of conduct breaches, citing the confusion in UPND's adoption process where multiple certificates were issued for single positions and violence marred nominations.

Sports:

• Chipolopolo international Lameck Banda scored the decisive goal securing US Lecce's Serie A survival with a 1-0 victory over Genoa CFC, preserving the club's top-flight status for a fourth consecutive season—the longest in their history.
• Zesco United chairperson Patricia Musiya described the 2025/26 season as challenging after the Ndola club finished 10th with 47 points from 34 matches, recording 13 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses.
• Defending champions Mufulira Leopards maintained their five-point lead in the National Rugby League with a 29-26 home victory over Nkwazi, their fourth consecutive win.

Electoral Process:

• Electoral Commission of Zambia has urged District Conflict Management Committees in Chibombo, Chisamba, and Kabwe districts to maintain impartiality in mediating minor electoral disputes, with Kabwe District Electoral Officer Jovax Ngoma emphasising integrity as essential to credible elections.
• Lumezi North parliamentary candidates including UPND's Anderson Banda have pledged violence-free, issue-based campaigns aligned with President Hichilema's vision.

Infrastructure & Environment:

• Kabwe residents have called for upgrading Mulungushi road to bituminous standard to eliminate dust pollution from mineral slug trucks, which they suspect contributes to health hazards in their community.

Crime & Safety:

• A 15-year-old girl was abducted in Katete District, Eastern Province, by Saimani Mwanza and an accomplice after accepting a motorcycle ride from Mbinga Village to Kangwerema farms.
• Peter Phiri, a 35-year-old motorcyclist in Chama District, died on the spot from multiple injuries in a head-on collision near Chama Town.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Electoral Integrity Under Scrutiny: With ActionAid challenging ECZ's handling of UPND adoption irregularities and the PF completely absent from the ballot, watch whether the Commission applies the Electoral Process Act consistently across all parties to preserve public confidence in the August elections.

• Healthcare Accountability: The NHIMA membership gap of nearly eight million eligible Zambians and ongoing theft cases in the Ministry of Health demand stronger safeguards—our national health infrastructure cannot thrive without both expanded access and zero tolerance for corruption.

• Media Professionalism as Election Pillar: The IBA's new guidelines place significant responsibility on broadcasters to serve as fair arbiters of information; their adherence will shape whether Zambians enter polling stations equipped with facts rather than manipulation.