“Nothing New” at Hichilema’s campaign launch, rally targets Mundubile, Makebi

Hichilema launches campaign in Lusaka

President Hakainde Hichilema officially launched his re-election campaign on Sunday ahead of the 13 August 2026 general elections, but opposition supporters and some observers quickly argued that the event produced few new policy announcements and instead devoted significant attention to attacking the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance leadership.

Rather than unveiling major new campaign commitments, President Hichilema used a substantial portion of his address to respond to growing opposition criticism led by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu.

Hichilema launches campaign in Lusaka.

Addressing thousands of supporters, alliance partners and party members at what was billed as a special campaign launch, President Hichilema dismissed the opposition pair as “the two boys” and accused them of representing policies and politics linked to the previous PF administration.

The President argued that those now seeking office under the opposition alliance had participated in decisions that weakened Zambia’s economy and should not be trusted again with national leadership.

President Hichilema further defended his administration’s economic record, citing improved economic indicators and growth in national reserves.

He claimed his government had rebuilt confidence and accumulated reserves that needed protection from what he described as politicians seeking to return to power.

The President also mocked recent large opposition gatherings held by the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, suggesting public displays of support circulating online were exaggerated and dismissing some as political hype.

In one of the rally’s more talked-about moments, President Hichilema suggested the opposition leadership should take advantage of free education introduced under his government and learn more about economics and national financial management.

The remarks come as Mundubile has increasingly emerged as one of the loudest critics of government economic messaging.

Over recent weeks, the opposition leader has repeatedly questioned government celebration of reserve growth, inflation reduction and macroeconomic indicators, arguing that many ordinary Zambians continue to struggle with the cost of living.

Mundubile has maintained that economic success should not only be measured through statistics but through whether citizens are experiencing improved livelihoods, lower prices and greater participation in economic activity.

He has promised that under his proposed administration, economic growth would be structured to directly benefit local communities and increase local ownership of national resources.

Interestingly, despite being a UPND campaign launch, much of the political conversation generated online after the event appeared to centre on Mundubile and Makebi themselves, with supporters and critics debating why the opposition featured prominently in the President’s speech.

The launch itself also carried a strong entertainment component.

UPND assembled several top Zambian musicians and performers in an event attended by thousands of supporters and revelers, creating an atmosphere that blended politics and entertainment.

President Hichilema was also seen dancing on stage during one of the performances, with videos quickly circulating online and drawing reactions from both supporters and critics.

One of the rally directors and media personality Mutale Mwanza also drew attention after referring to the Mundubile team as “Group Three” during the programme.

With campaigns now fully underway, Sunday’s launch signaled that the 2026 election battle may increasingly become not only a contest of manifestos and policies, but also a direct battle of narratives, personalities and public mobilisation.