…As Tonse Alliance says citizens have raised over K389,000 in 24 hours

LUSAKA, August 2, 2026 – President Hakainde Hichilema has mocked NRP-UP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile over his decision to seek campaign contributions from members of the public, suggesting that the opposition leader should instead “apply for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).”

The remarks come a day after the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP), backed by the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, launched a nationwide fundraising campaign appealing to Zambians to financially support its election campaign and voter protection activities ahead of the August 13 General Election.

According to information reaching Zambian Eye, the fundraising initiative had raised K389,020 in less than 24 hours after it was launched on Saturday afternoon.

The campaign is encouraging supporters to make contributions through mobile money platforms, with the funds earmarked for campaign logistics, voter education, election monitoring and vote protection.

The Mundubile campaign says the initiative is intended to build what it describes as a people-driven movement by allowing ordinary citizens to finance the campaign rather than relying on a few wealthy individuals or foreign interests.

Campaign officials say local fundraising strengthens accountability to citizens and protects the independence of a future government from external influence.

Mundubile has also maintained that he would not accept campaign funding tied to conditions that could compromise Zambia’s national interests or influence government policy after the elections.

According to an article published on the Tonse Alliance’s official Facebook page, Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, allegedly rejected an offer of US$40 million in campaign funding from an American company in exchange for tax concessions on gold and copper mining if they formed government.

The article claims the opposition leaders turned down the proposal, arguing that Zambia’s mineral resources should benefit its citizens rather than be used to secure campaign financing.

“Mundubile says he will not allow foreigners to control the running of Zambian mines at the expense of poor Zambians,” the article states, adding that this prompted the campaign to appeal directly to Zambians for financial support.

The reported claim regarding the alleged funding offer has not been independently verified by Zambian Eye.

The fundraising drive has attracted significant attention during the final phase of the election campaign, with the opposition presenting it as a demonstration of grassroots support.

President Hichilema’s comments have also revived memories of previous election campaigns in which political parties appealed to supporters for financial contributions.

Ahead of the 2016 General Election, the UPND itself publicly appealed for campaign donations from members and supporters. Similar fundraising efforts were also made in the period leading to the 2011 elections.

During one campaign rally by PF-UPND pact held opposite Freedom Statue in Lusaka before the 2011 elections, then UPND Vice President requested party members to contribute towards campaign activities.

At the same rally, however, Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata publicly criticised the idea, saying political leaders should not ask poor citizens for money when those citizens expected leadership to improve their livelihoods.

The debate over campaign financing has resurfaced amid longstanding reports that some political parties receive financial backing from business interests, including mining companies, with critics warning that such arrangements could create expectations of favourable treatment if those parties assume office.

Mundubile has repeatedly stated during his campaign that, if elected, he would restructure Zambia’s mining sector to ensure that local communities derive greater benefits from the country’s mineral wealth while maintaining what he describes as a fair and transparent investment environment.