News Digest - Thursday, May 28th, 2026

Our nation stands at an important juncture as we approach the August 13 general elections, with governance integrity, electoral preparedness, and economic cooperation taking centre stage in our national discourse. From strengthened anti-corruption efforts targeting public officials to renewed calls for democratic fairness and international partnerships, today's developments reflect both the challenges we face and the resilience of our democratic institutions.

Main Stories

1. ACC Expands SLIMP Corruption Arrests to 12 Officials, K124 Million in Assets Seized
   The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three additional Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock officials, bringing the total charged in the US$10 million SLIMP Loan scandal to 12 individuals. Principal Livestock Production Officer Grace Lungu now faces 16 counts of fraudulent false accounting and two counts of possessing suspected proceeds of crime, as investigations have uncovered assets worth over K124 million including vehicles, houses, farms, livestock and government bonds. This ongoing crackdown demonstrates that our nation's commitment to rooting out corruption in public service remains unwavering, and that those who misuse our collective resources will face the full force of the law.

2. President Hichilema Swears In 40 Judges, Urges Professionalism and Warns Against Social Media Conduct
   President Hakainde Hichilema has sworn in 40 judges to the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal and High Court, emphasising that these appointments reflect national unity while stressing that the judiciary still needs more officers to reduce heavy workloads that could cause stress-related illnesses. The President specifically cautioned judges against using social media for serious matters and becoming involved in cybersecurity issues, calling for greater professionalism as our nation strengthens its legal institutions to serve all Zambians fairly and efficiently.

3. Secretary to Cabinet Orders Disciplinary Action Against Public Officers in Politics
   Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has directed that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against public officers who engaged in political activities without formally resigning from government service before the May 15, 2026 deadline, stating that these officers violated the Public Service Code of Ethics. This directive reinforces the critical need for neutrality and integrity in our public service as we approach the general elections, ensuring that government institutions serve all Zambians rather than any single political interest.

4. DEC Freezes Casino Accounts in Money Laundering Crackdown
   Drug Enforcement Commission Director General Nason Banda has revealed that several accounts linked to casino operations have been frozen as part of investigations into suspected money laundering, even as he noted that some individuals in the casino business operate lawfully. This operation, alongside the recent arrest of 36 suspects at the One Love Reggae Festival for drug trafficking, shows our enforcement agencies are actively protecting our economy and communities from criminal exploitation—though perhaps festival-goers might consider that "one love" should not extend to illegal substances.

5. Former Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane Named Africa's Finance Minister of the Year
   Zambia's former Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has been named Africa's Finance Minister of the Year by African Banker magazine, a prestigious recognition that shines a positive light on our nation's financial leadership and expertise on the continental stage. This honour reflects well on Zambia's capacity for sound economic stewardship and reminds us that our professionals can compete with the best across Africa.

6. President Hichilema Signals Shift Toward Economic Cooperation with United States
   President Hichilema has stated that Zambia's relationship with the United States is increasingly focused on economic cooperation for mutual benefit, telling newly appointed U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Mich Coker that the partnership has "outlived personalities on both sides" and should expand beyond aid to include greater private sector involvement, trade, investment and technology sharing. This reorientation toward mutual economic benefit rather than dependency represents a mature vision for how our nation can engage with global partners while building sustainable prosperity for our people.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Justice:

• The Electoral Commission of Zambia has dismissed claims that it is plotting to ban NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, after a Patriotic Front Facebook post alleged that ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis had directed the Commission to find reasons to disqualify them following their attendance at a Requiem Mass for the late Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu.
• The Lusaka Magistrates' Court has ordered UPND mayoral candidate Simon Mwewa to pay K20,000 in damages within seven days and issue a public apology on Facebook within three days for defaming James Mwalimu by calling him "a UPND Chibolya thug" and a "black elephant," with the court noting it is "regrettable the calibre of leaders we're producing."
• Police have confirmed that former Director General of Intelligence Xavier Chungu was brought in for questioning on Thursday in connection with an ongoing investigation, with spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi stating further updates would be provided.
• Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba says police have launched a manhunt for a mayoral candidate who fled after allegedly submitting a forged Grade 12 certificate during ECZ verification, with investigations revealing the individual previously served as a PF ward councillor.

Elections & Democracy:

• A formal complaint has been lodged with the ACC by former ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, urging investigation into a growing wave of parliamentary candidate withdrawals ahead of the August 13 elections amid questions over whether some exits were politically negotiated before campaigns fully commenced.

Tourism & Local Development:

• UPND Livingstone Central parliamentary candidate Gracious "D" Mayangwa has pledged to push for bilateral agreements ensuring a 50/50 level playing field with Zimbabwean tour operators, citing current restrictions on Zambian vehicles entering hotels, lodges and national parks across the river while Zimbabwean operators face no such barriers here.
• Government has handed over K2.79 million in CDF grants to 85 cooperatives in Chiengi District and commissioned five community projects worth over K5.5 million, with Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Evans Sikabbubba presiding over the handover ceremony.

Sports:

• The Southern African Judo Confederation, whose Secretariat is hosted in Zambia, has been crowned Confederation of the Year for the third time at the 2026 Regional Annual Sports Awards held on May 24, 2026, in Luanda, Angola, following previous victories in 2023 and 2024.
• Red Arrows football club has secured a kit sponsorship deal with Bolabet for the 2026/27 season, with the ABSA Cup Champions set to wear the branded jersey during their CAF Confederations League campaign.

Housing:

• Government has partnered with the Zambia National Building Society to launch the "Bondi Yanga" campaign aimed at addressing Zambia's housing deficit of more than 1.5 million units, with Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary Professor Albert Malama highlighting strengthened private sector partnerships.

Public Safety:

• A 37-year-old man, Alfonso Chikotwe, had his left hand amputated after a blue explosive object he picked up at Revealed Treasure Trust School in Kitwe's Ndeke Township exploded when he removed its pin, with police stating Chikotwe is believed to suffer from mental illness and is now in stable condition.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Electoral Integrity Under Scrutiny: With the ECZ disqualifying candidates over forged certificates, the ACC being asked to probe suspicious withdrawals, and Cabinet directing action against politically active civil servants, the coming weeks will test whether our institutions can maintain fairness and order as August 13 approaches. Zambians should watch how consistently these rules are applied across all parties.

• Anti-Corruption Momentum: The SLIMP investigation's expansion to 12 arrests and K124 million in seized assets suggests the ACC is operating with renewed vigour, but the ultimate test will be whether prosecutions lead to convictions and recovered funds are returned to public use. Our nation's faith in governance depends on seeing this through.

• Judicial Capacity vs. Caseload: President Hichilema's acknowledgment that 40 new judges are still insufficient, combined with his warning about social media conduct among judicial officers, highlights the tension between expanding access to justice and maintaining professional standards. The pace of further appointments and any disciplinary actions will signal how seriously this balance is being taken.