National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity president Brian Mundubile and vice-president Makebi Zulu have rejected President Hakainde Hichilema’s description of them as “thieves,” saying their record as former Cabinet and provincial ministers speaks for itself.
Speaking to journalists in Mpika, Mundubile said farmers were paid on time and fertiliser was delivered promptly during his tenure, and challenged the public to judge the pair’s record rather than accept the label. He also questioned the state of Zambia’s foreign exchange reserves, suggesting government’s focus was on international recognition for the kwacha’s performance rather than on paying contractors and supporting farmers — a point Zulu echoed in the same exchange.
The dispute traces back to President Hichilema’s remarks at the UPND’s campaign launch outside Heroes Stadium, where he cautioned Zambians against returning to what he called the “bondage of reckless governance, corruption and broken promises,” and has since repeated the “same thieves” characterisation of the pair on the campaign trail, arguing they represent Patriotic Front figures operating under a new alliance name.
Mundubile and Zulu have said they are deliberately avoiding personal attacks in response, choosing instead to point to infrastructure built during their time in provincial government — including roads and hospitals in Eastern Province under Zulu, and schools and hospitals in Kasama, Kaputa and Lunte under Mundubile — as evidence for voters to weigh for themselves.
Sources: Mwebantu — Mundubile, Zulu reject Hichilema’s ‘thieves’ claim | Lusaka Times — ‘Same thieves’ who have only changed their name – Hichilema | News Diggers — We’re not thieves – Mundubile
