Open Zambia

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING

ZAMBIA PUSHES FOR GREATER ROLE OF WOMEN IN UN PEACEKEEPING

Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations, calling for increased participation of women in policing missions and stronger support for UN Police as a key pillar of global peace and security.

Speaking at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) in New York, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration) Charity Munganga said Zambia remains committed to advancing a modern and effective United Nations policing framework that promotes peace, security and the rule of law.

Ms Munganga stressed the importance of increasing the number of women serving in peacekeeping missions, particularly in leadership positions, noting that greater gender representation strengthens the effectiveness of UN policing operations.

She said well-trained and properly equipped mixed-gender police units are better placed to maintain public order, protect civilians and respond effectively to high-risk situations in conflict-affected areas.

Ms Munganga also welcomed ongoing efforts to improve financial efficiency under the UN80 initiative, saying savings should be directed towards enhancing training, technology and operational preparedness while safeguarding the core mandate of United Nations peacekeeping operations.

She reaffirmed Zambia's support for the vital role played by United Nations Police in protecting civilians, strengthening the rule of law and helping countries build accountable and professional policing institutions.

The Deputy Inspector General joined ministers, police chiefs and senior representatives from regional and international policing organisations at the two-day summit, where delegates explored ways of strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development through national and United Nations policing.

Discussions also focused on enhancing the capacity and performance of the United Nations Police Division as the organisation's lead body for policing and law enforcement.

The Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit was held in New York from 7 to 8 July 2026.

The information is contained in a statement issued by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at Zambia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Namatama Njekwa.

MORNING PRAYER VERSE

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

- Colossians 3:15

HH TAKES CAMPAIGN TOUR TO EASTERN PROVINCE

President Hakainde Hichilema has concluded the first day of his campaign tour in Eastern Province, with residents of Chama, Chasefu and Lundazi expressing support for Government’s development agenda, particularly in education, agriculture, infrastructure and improved service delivery.

Across the three districts, communities welcomed the continued implementation of free education, which has enabled more than 2.5 million children to return to school since the New Dawn administration assumed office in 2021.

In Lundazi, President Hichilema said free education had moved beyond being a social intervention and had become an important economic investment that would benefit current and future generations. He said Government would continue recruiting teachers to improve the teacher-pupil ratio and enhance the quality of education.

The President also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to spreading development to all parts of the country without discrimination. He highlighted plans to improve key infrastructure in the area, including works on the Chama-Lundazi-Chipata Road, completion of the Lundazi bus station and modern market, construction of chiefs’ palaces, and development of the Lundazi Airstrip to boost economic activity.

In Chama District, President Hichilema announced that the Government would increase support under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) to enable more farmers to improve productivity and strengthen food security.

The President also announced plans to construct more schools to provide a better learning environment for children. He noted that the district had recorded improved peace and public order since 2021, with violence that previously affected public gatherings now a thing of the past.

Government’s decision to increase the number of constituencies in Chama District from two to three was also highlighted as a measure aimed at improving representation, service delivery and development.

In Chasefu, residents welcomed Government’s focus on ensuring that development reaches communities across Eastern Province.

The first day of the engagement highlighted the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and improved livelihoods for the people of Eastern Province.

ECZ STARTS TRAINING 166 DISTRICT ELECTION STAFF

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has commenced the training of 166 District Election Trainers in preparation for the upcoming General Election on 13 August.

The trainers have been selected from districts across the country and will be equipped with the necessary skills to carry out their electoral responsibilities.

These Trainers will have the knowledge and skillset to manage polling stations across the country.

During the opening of the Lusaka Province workshop, Lusaka Provincial Electoral Officer Charlton Hamulyata explained that the training would help deliver credible, transparent and professional elections.

He implored participants to carry out their duties with professionalism, impartiality and strict adherence to electoral procedures which would ensure that the integrity of the elections and the Commission’s credibility are safe guarded.

GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS VICE-PRESIDENT IS SAFE AFTER HELICOPTER ACCIDENT

The Government of the Republic of Zambia have released a statement informing the public of the incident earlier today; the Zambia Air Force helicopter carrying Her Honour The Vice-President, Dr W.K Mutale Nalumango had an accident at take-off in Nakonde, Muchinga Province during an official visit to the region.

The Statement issued by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick K.Kangwa reported that the Vice President and all passengers are “safe and well.”

Mr. Kangwa said the Vice-President was taken to a medical facility for a routine check and has since been discharged, she is in good health.

The Government have commended the flight crew and emergency responders, “whose professionalism was on clear display.” The Statement thanks the people of Nakonde for their swift assistance and confirms that the relevant authorities will investigate the incident in the routine manner.

The Statement assured that the Vice-President will continue with her planned programme of work.

FAZ ANNOUNCED DEATH OF FORMER COPPER QUEENS COACH BRUCE MWAPE

Today the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced the death of the former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape.

The former coach passed away at the age of 67 after a short illness. He was being cared for at Nchanga South Mine Hospital at the time of his death.

Mwape took up the position of Copper Queens head coach in 2018. He then proceeded to lead the Copper Queens to qualify for three WAFCON tournaments in 2018, 2022 and 2024. In 2022 he guided the team to a third place finish at the tournament.

His accolades as coach don’t stop there. He inspired the team to qualify for back-to-back Olympic Games – 2020 and 2024. His most impressive achievement was getting the Copper Queens to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Prior to this he served as The U17 Men’s National Team coach in 2015.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba described the death as a “huge shock to the football family and the nation as a whole”.

Barbra Banda – Captain of the Copper Queens – issued a statement on social media thanking coach Mwape for his efforts: “you played a huge role in my career and shaped me into the leader I am today”.

FAZ has issued a statement saying the secretariat is in touch with the family in Chingola and will provide more details soon.

VP PLEDGES TO SPEED UP ISOKA-MUYOMBE ROAD UPGRADE

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has assured residents of Mafinga District that the Isoka-Muyombe Road will be upgraded to bituminous standard, and that government is committed to completing the project within the planned timeframe.

Speaking during a community engagement in Mafinga, Mrs Nalumango acknowledged the difficulties residents have long faced due to the poor state of the road, and said government is working to improve transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services in the area.

The Isoka-Muyombe stretch runs through one of the more remote parts of Muchinga Province, where poor road conditions have long limited access to markets, health facilities and other services for communities along the route.

Mrs Nalumango said government will continue delivering development across key sectors including health, education and water, while using the expanded CDF to improve quality of life at community level.

She added that despite inheriting a debt-burdened economy, the UPND administration has pressed ahead with development programmes - pointing to the Free Education Policy, which has brought more than two million learners back into school, as one example of progress made under difficult fiscal conditions.

ECZ EXPLAINS BALLOT PAPER ARRANGEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES WHO WITHDRAW AFTER DEADLINE

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced that candidates who withdrew from the 2026 General Election after 6 July 2026 will remain on the ballot papers, although they will no longer be recognised as eligible contestants.

In a public notice, the Commission stated that 6 July served as the administrative deadline for receiving candidate withdrawals. The cut-off was necessary to allow sufficient time for amendments before ballot papers were sent for printing.

The ECZ confirmed that printing of ballot papers for the National Assembly, mayoral, council chairperson and councillor elections commenced on 6 July, making it impossible to remove the names of candidates who withdrew after that date.

As a result, any candidate who submitted a resignation after the deadline will still appear on the ballot paper, despite no longer being permitted to stand in the election.

To minimise confusion among voters, the Commission said Local Notices will be displayed in affected constituencies and wards where ballot papers include the names of withdrawn candidates. These notices will clearly inform voters that the individuals concerned are no longer eligible to contest the election.

The ECZ has urged candidates, political parties and the general public to take note of the arrangements as preparations for the 2026 General Election progress.

The statement was issued on behalf of the Commission by ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga.

PRESIDENT HH AIMS TO DOUBLE LOCAL MINING PARTICIPATION TO 40%

President HH and his Government are working to increase local participation in the mining sector from 20% to 40%.

The Government has already introduced a local content policy requiring all mining businesses to acquire more goods and services from Zambian-owned businesses.

The President's plan to double local participation in the mining sector will benefit local contractors and suppliers. Furthermore, it will increase employment opportunities in townships.

President HH was speaking in Chililabombwe when he explained that, since the UPND came into office in 2021, three mines have either received investment or been brought out of liquidation.

The three mines – KCM, Lubambe and Mingomba – are integral to the future of Chililabombwe's economy as they provide employment, stimulate trade and attract investment.

President Hichilema pointed to other development programmes implemented in the district, including the increase in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations from K1.6 million to K40 million per constituency.

Similarly, he announced various investments in social infrastructure, including the construction of classroom blocks and desks, the continued development of Chililabombwe Hospital, and the rehabilitation of township roads.

The President acknowledged the need to improve water access in the region and has instructed Mulonga Water Supply to increase its efforts to resolve the issue.

President HH asked the people of Chililabombwe to support UPND candidates on 13 August. He stated: "Keep your freedom and make sure on the 13 August you vote for this freedom."