News Digest - Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

Our nation begins June with significant developments across the economic, political, and security spheres. The kwacha continues its remarkable strengthening against the dollar, while our political landscape sees further consolidation ahead of August's elections. Meanwhile, the arrest of a former senior intelligence official on serious national security charges reminds us that safeguarding our State institutions remains paramount to Zambia's stability.

Main Stories

1. Former Intelligence Chief Xavier Chungu Arrested on 11 National Security Charges
   Former Zambia Intelligence and Security Service Director-General Xavier Chungu has been charged with seven counts of communication of certain information, three counts of seditious practices, and one count of disclosure of information to an unauthorised person. Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the alleged offences occurred on May 24, 2026, between 16:00 and 18:00 hours in New Kasama, Lusaka, where Chungu is said to have disclosed confidential information obtained through his official duties, uttered seditious words, and revealed protective measures relating to a vital installation. Chungu remains in police custody awaiting court appearance, a case that underscores the critical importance of protecting our nation's sensitive institutions and the serious consequences when those entrusted with State secrets allegedly betray that trust.

2. Kwacha Ranks Among World's Best Performing Currencies as Mining Inflows Strengthen Economy
   The Zambian kwacha closed at around K17.9 per dollar and appreciated by 14.8 percent against the US dollar in the first quarter of 2026, with year-to-date appreciation standing at 14.53 percent as of May 11, according to Bank of Zambia Governor Dr Denny Kalyalya. This remarkable performance, driven by strong inflows from the mining sector and foreign financial institutions, positions our currency among the best performing globally and offers tangible relief for ordinary Zambians who have borne the burden of past economic volatility—though we must remain vigilant that these gains translate into broader prosperity across our nation.

3. Serbian Agricultural Equipment Manufacturer Estishes Lusaka South Plant
   FPM Agro Mechanic, one of Europe's largest agricultural equipment manufacturers, has begun establishing a manufacturing and assembly plant in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, with operations expected to commence within eight to ten weeks. The Serbian family-owned company, which exports to 65 countries worldwide, will assemble equipment for use in Zambia and export to neighbouring countries—an investment that directly supports our government's economic diversification agenda, reduces copper dependence, and promises employment opportunities for our citizens while building the capacity of Zambian farmers.

4. Constitutional Court Sets June 19 Hearing for Presidential Eligibility Challenge
   The Constitutional Court has fixed June 19, 2026, to hear a petition filed by UPND founding member Charles Longwe challenging President Hakainde Hichilema's eligibility to contest the 2026 General Election, on grounds that the ruling party allegedly did not hold a valid national convention before his nomination. This judicial proceeding will test the integrity of our electoral processes and constitutional requirements, reminding us that even at the highest levels, adherence to democratic norms must be subject to proper legal scrutiny.

5. Two Political Parties Endorse President Hichilema for August Election
   The New Congress Party (NCP) led by Peter Chanda and the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) led by Charles Chanda have both endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema as their preferred candidate for the August 13 general election. NCP's Chanda cited policy consistency over government changes, while UPPZ's Chanda argued the President should complete his development agenda, noting much of his first term was consumed addressing inherited debt obligations—though UPPZ clarified its parliamentary candidates will remain in the race, preserving democratic choice for our people.

6. Police Charge Gary Nkombo with Assault Following Mazabuka Nomination Incident
   The Zambia Police Service has arrested and charged former Local Government Minister Gary Nkombo with two counts of assault, acting on reports by Bilden Shaloba and Emmanuel Mweemba, after Nkombo was allegedly attacked by suspected UPND cadres at Mazabuka Civic Centre during his filing as an Independent candidate for Mazabuka Central. Nkombo has accused his attackers of seeking to silence what he termed the people's campaign, linking their conduct to what Zambians rejected in the 2021 polls—a development that raises troubling questions about political violence and the space for independent candidates in our democratic system.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Justice:

• Police in Sinda District are investigating an alleged defilement case involving a 15-year-old girl, reported on June 2, 2026, by the girl's father from Kasinje Village in Chief Nyanje's area, confirmed by Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba.
• Police are investigating damage to two campaign billboards belonging to independent parliamentary candidate Poho Kawina at Solwezi River Bridge, occurring between 10 p.m. June 1 and 5 a.m. June 2, with damaged property valued at K24,600; campaign manager Peter Kalusa, 32, reported the incident at 8:30 a.m. June 2.
• Police have received ten reports of suspected forgery involving academic certificates submitted to the Examinations Council of Zambia by aspiring candidates, comprising six cases in Lusaka, one in Kitwe, one in Mansa, and two in Chipata; one suspect in Chipata has been arrested.
• GEARS Initiative Zambia has endorsed President Hichilema's engagement with retired Zambia Defence Force commanders, describing the meeting as a positive contribution to national security dialogue and institutional continuity in a statement issued June 3.

Health & Social Services:

• Government launched the second round of Novel Oral Polio Vaccine Type 2 (nOPV2) vaccination in Isoka District, targeting children under five against circulating variant poliovirus type 2, with Acting District Commissioner Kenneth Mwantalasha officiating at Sansamwenje Market.

Sports & Culture:

• OYDC Zambia celebrated a historic 16-medal haul by Mixed Martial Arts Zambia at an international competition in Luanda, Angola, with three OYDC athletes leading: Alex Bwalya (gold), Justin Mweene (silver), and Zinaida Nanyinza (bronze), from a contingent of 20 athletes representing KFC Komboni Fighters Club.
• British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon marked World Bicycle Day with a morning ride alongside Zambia's Cultural Ambassador One YeYe International, followed by breakfast at the British Residence in Lusaka where they discussed his cycling journeys and Zambia's cultural heritage.

Football Administration:

• FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya has committed to reinforcing professionalism and collaboration at Football House, acknowledging Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe's transitional management during a staff meeting Tuesday in Lusaka.
• The Zambian Premier League announced this year's transfer window runs June 1 to August 31 as the sole window for 2026, with future windows shifting to January 1 through first week of April and June 1 through June 30 from 2027.

Road Safety:

• Two people died and four others were injured in three separate road traffic accidents in Lusaka, all linked to excessive speed, police confirmed.

International:

• A 30-year-old pedestrian, John Jere, was hospitalised at Chipata Central Hospital with suspected internal injuries after being hit by a vehicle near Mwami Border Post, confirmed by Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

1. Economic Gains Require Sustained Diversification: The kwacha's strength, while welcome, remains heavily dependent on mining sector performance. The FPM Agro Mechanic investment represents the kind of manufacturing-led diversification that can help insulate our economy from commodity price shocks—watch whether similar investments materialise across other sectors.

2. Electoral Integrity Under Multiple Pressures: With the Constitutional Court set to rule on presidential eligibility requirements, ten reported cases of certificate forgery by aspiring candidates, and incidents of political violence and billboard vandalisation, the integrity of our August 2026 electoral process faces concurrent tests that demand vigilant, non-partisan attention from our institutions and citizens alike.

3. National Security Accountability at Highest Levels: The prosecution of a former intelligence chief on State Security Act charges signals that no office-holder stands above the law regarding protection of classified information—a precedent with implications for how future officials handle sensitive State matters, and a reminder that our nation's security architecture depends on individual accountability.