A clash broke out in Luampa District, Western Province, after suspected UPND supporters blocked NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile’s convoy, resulting in stone-throwing between the two groups.
An Escalating Series of Incidents in Western Province
The confrontation occurred as Mundubile’s entourage began its campaign tour of the province, when individuals wearing UPND regalia allegedly pelted the convoy with stones; NRPUP supporters retaliated in kind, and a Zambia Police Service officer was among those caught up in the resulting altercation. The Luampa incident followed a string of earlier flashpoints in the province, including police teargassing NRPUP rallies in both Mongu and Kalabo, which forced Mundubile to address supporters from the roof of his vehicle in one instance and prompted allegations from him that snipers had been positioned at the Mongu rally, a claim presented without independent verification.
Running mate Makebi Zulu separately addressed the Luampa incident on Facebook, calling on President Hichilema to intervene and stating that the NRPUP would remain in Western Province and continue engaging voters despite the violence. President Hichilema has condemned all forms of political violence reported around the country, stating in a Tuesday address that violence, intimidation and lawlessness by any party, candidate or supporter would not be tolerated.
Mounting Concern Over Campaign-Period Conduct
The pattern of incidents in Western Province has drawn criticism from commentators who argue that both the initial blocking of Mundubile’s convoy and the retaliatory stone-throwing should be condemned, while also raising pointed questions about why police have not moved more decisively to prevent roadblocks before violence occurs, rather than responding only after clashes begin. With voting now just days away, the string of incidents across Luampa, Mongu and Kalabo has added to broader unease about the campaign’s final stretch remaining peaceful through polling day.
