… AS TONSE ALLIANCE ALLEGES CAMPAIGN SABOTAGE

MONGU, Western Province, August 5, 2026 — A campaign rally for NRP-UP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile in Mongu was disrupted on Wednesday after police moved in and fired tear gas canisters, scattering a large crowd that had gathered to hear the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential hopeful.

The disruption came after an earlier incident in Kalabo, where the alliance also said its roadshow had been interfered with as the campaign entered Western Province ahead of next week’s general election.

The Mongu rally had begun peacefully, with campaign musicians entertaining supporters as thousands gathered at the venue awaiting the arrival of Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu.

Veteran politician and senior citizen Prince Akashambatwa Lewanika was among the speakers who addressed the gathering before the interruption.

While addressing the crowd, Prince Lewanika asked supporters whether they wanted to vote for President Hakainde Hichilema in the August 13 elections.

The crowd responded with a loud “No.”

Moments later, police officers entered the rally grounds, bringing proceedings to an abrupt halt. Tear gas canisters were fired, causing panic as supporters fled in different directions.

Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of confusion as people ran from the venue after the tear gas was discharged.

The incident followed another confrontation earlier in the day during the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance’s roadshow in Kalabo, where the opposition says its campaign programme was also disrupted.

Following the incidents, Mundubile addressed the nation through the media, condemning the disruptions and accusing the authorities of attempting to frustrate the opposition’s campaign.

The NRP-UP presidential candidate said every political party should be allowed to campaign freely and that citizens should be given the opportunity to listen to all candidates before making their choice at the ballot box.

He urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful despite what he described as repeated provocations, saying no amount of intimidation would stop the alliance from taking its message to the Zambian people.

Mundubile further appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that all contestants are given equal opportunities to campaign in every part of the country.

The developments in Western Province come amid growing political tension as campaigns enter their final week before the August 13 general election.

In recent weeks, the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has repeatedly complained of alleged attacks on its campaign teams and disruptions to some of its activities in different parts of the country. The ruling UPND has maintained that it is committed to peaceful campaigns, while President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly pledged that Zambia will hold credible, free and fair elections.

The Zambia Police Service had not issued an official statement on the Mongu incident by the time of publication. Zambian Eye will update the story as more information becomes available from the police, the Electoral Commission of Zambia and other stakeholders.