News Digest - Friday, May 29th, 2026

Our nation begins this day with significant developments across governance, justice, and our economic landscape, as Zambia continues to navigate complex legal proceedings, strengthen international partnerships, and make strides in accountability and public welfare. From the courts of South Africa to the football pitches of Lubumbashi, the stories of our day reflect both the challenges we face and the resilience we demonstrate as a people.

Main Stories

1. Former Intelligence Chief Xavier Chungu Charged Under State Security Act
   The Zambia Police Service has recorded a warn and caution statement from former intelligence chief director Xavier Chungu for allegedly disclosing classified information on May 24, 2026, in New Kasama, Lusaka, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., contrary to Section 4(1) of the State Security Act, Chapter 111 of the Laws of Zambia. Chungu remains in police custody as investigations continue, a case that underscores our nation's commitment to protecting sensitive state information and maintaining the integrity of our security institutions.

2. Lungu Family Challenges Government in South African Supreme Court Over Burial Arrangements
   The family of former President Edgar Lungu appeared before South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein to contest a ruling that would allow the Zambian government to repatriate his body for a state burial, with family lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi arguing that Lungu explicitly told Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa and his wife he did not want President Hakainde Hichilema presiding over his funeral due to "bad blood" after his benefits were withdrawn. Zambia's lawyer Advocate Ben Stoop countered that Lungu's return to politics and loss of benefits did not remove his status as former president, while judges sharply questioned the government's position and emphasized that ubuntu requires giving primary consideration to a grieving family's wishes, with the ruling adjourned to a later date.

3. Anti-Corruption Commission Arrests Three More in K8 Million Livestock Project Probe
   The ACC has arrested three additional suspects in the alleged misappropriation of over K8 million from the Sustainable Livestock Infrastructure Management Project, bringing total arrests to 12, including Principal Livestock Production Officer Grace Lungu (47) charged with 16 counts of fraudulent false accounting over ZMW750,320.52 in imprest funds and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime including a Chipata house valued at ZMW800,000 and a ZMW300,000 government bond; Senior Livestock Production Officer Trohyb Hanyimbo (42) charged with corrupt acquisition of ZMW1,984,071; and Assistant Director Kabemba Mwambilwa (48) charged with corrupt acquisition of ZMW3,888,534.51, possession of a Hyundai Creta and Jaguar F-Pace valued at ZMW1.1 million combined, and abuse of authority. With assets exceeding ZMW124 million already identified including vehicles, houses, farms, livestock and government bonds, this ongoing investigation demonstrates that accountability in the management of our public resources remains a priority for our nation.

4. Zambia's Annual Inflation Eases to 6.6% in May
   The Zambia Statistics Agency announced that annual inflation slowed to 6.6% in May 2026, down from 6.8% in April, with Statistician-General Sheila Mudenda attributing the decline to lower prices for breakfast mealie meal, roller mealie meal, maize grain and imported rice, which pushed food inflation down to 6.9% from 7.3%. While non-food inflation rose slightly to 6.1% due to higher pharmaceutical and fuel prices, this moderation in the cost of our staple foods offers some relief to households across our nation, though ZamStats has not yet assessed the full impact on household welfare.

5. FIFA Backs Chakatazya's Appointment as FAZ General Secretary
   FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has formally congratulated newly appointed Football Association of Zambia General Secretary Charles Chakatazya, pledging the global football body's full support and expressing confidence that this marks "an exciting new chapter for Zambian football." This international endorsement strengthens our football administration as we prepare for critical competitions, including the Under-17 Women's National Team's return leg against DR Congo in Lubumbashi this Sunday, where the Copper Princesses carry a five-goal advantage from the first leg.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Justice:

• Lusaka lawyer Milner Katolo has applied for judicial review against the Financial Intelligence Centre over a scheduled Anti-Money Laundering onsite inspection of his clients' files, seeking to quash the FIC's April 30, 2026 decision and obtain a protection order against inspection of client database and related information.
• An unprecedented number of about eight UPND parliamentary candidates have secured seats unopposed in the August polls, raising concerns about the health of our democracy and the practical consequences of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7.

Politics & Elections:

• UPND National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso dismissed suggestions that former elections chairman Gary Nkombo is a threat to President Hakainde Hichilema, stating the President "made him what he is today," while expressing surprise at Nkombo's decision to file as an independent candidate for Mazabuka Central after the party agreed no member would go independent.
• Socialist Party leader Dr Fred M'membe stated his party's strategic objective is "not to win elections but to wipe away people's tears," warning citizens to watch for populism as a "red flag" and noting that "lies are sweeter than Nakambala."
• Tonse Alliance elections chairperson Japhen Mwakalombe defended Brian Mundubile's campaign promise of "liberation," arguing it refers to resetting governance and the economy rather than freeing jailed PF members such as Raphael Nakacinda, Bowman Lusambo and Joseph Malanji.
• Former Lupososhi PF MP Emmanuel Mpankata predicted the next Parliament will include MPs from all parties and many independents, not dominated by any single party, as he contests Luwingu Central under Citizen's First party.

Commerce & Consumer Rights:

• Lusaka businessman Edmond Mubanga Miti has sued Air Tanzania Company Limited in the Lusaka High Court for $25,000 in compensation plus $635.41 reimbursement after his luggage containing medication, work documents, shoes and clothes was left in Dar es Salaam during a flight to Kenya, despite assurances it would be forwarded to Nairobi.

International Relations:

• Zambia's Ambassador to China Ivan Zyuulu stated that Beijing's zero-tariff policy effective May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028 will help African countries expand exports, improve Zambia's trade balance, and support economic growth and job creation.

Technology & Innovation:

• Former Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati praised BongHive for 15 years of empowering young entrepreneurs through technology-driven opportunities during celebrations in Lusaka.

Road Safety:

• Yango Zambia and the Zambia Road Safety Trust have expanded the Safer Journeys to School campaign from 5 schools in 2025 to 15 schools in 2026, conducting road safety workshops, school zone improvements and road safety clubs across Lusaka.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• The South African Supreme Court's pending ruling on former President Lungu's burial will establish significant precedent regarding the intersection of former presidential status, family autonomy, and state protocol that could affect how our nation honors its leaders in future transitions.

• With ACC investigations into the SLIMP project ongoing and more arrests expected, the recovery of over ZMW124 million in identified assets will test our institutions' capacity to secure restitution and deter future misuse of public funds in agricultural development programs.

• The moderation in food inflation, particularly for mealie meal and maize grain, warrants continued monitoring to determine whether cost reductions translate into tangible relief at household level, especially as non-food inflation pressures from fuel and pharmaceutical costs persist.