FIVE opposition ward councillors in Lavushimanda District have thrown their full support on United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Malama Mufunelo and have openly endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term in 2026.
Among the five councillors, four from the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) and one Independent, who resolved to rally behind the UPND ahead of the August 7 by-election, pledging not only their votes but also their efforts to deliver victory in their respective wards.
Speaking during the endorsement, in the presence of Technology and Science minister, Felix Mutati, Lukulu ward councillor Alfred Mwape said the decision was based on visible development being rolled out in rural areas especially the wonders that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is doing under President Hichilema’s leadership.
“We have unanimously agreed to support the UPND candidate Malama Mufunelo because we have seen the kind of leadership President HH has brought to this country,” said Mwape.
The councillors highlighted increased CDF allocation, the recruitment of teachers and health personnel, free education, and youth skills training bursaries as some of the key reasons that have convinced them to rally behind the UPND.
They further stated that their support for President Hichilema was not just for the August 7 by-election but also a foundation for 2026 and beyond, promising to campaign vigorously in their respective wards to ensure a resounding victory for the ruling party.
The councillors said their endorsement was not influenced by political gain, but driven by the need to work with a government that listens and delivers.
Mfuwe heads to the polls tomorrow to elect a new member of parliament following the incarceration of former lawmaker Maureen Mabonga.
Mabonga was sentenced to eight months simple imprisonment and fined K1,600 for seditious practices.
The court ruled that imprisonment of a member of parliament triggers the automatic vacation of the parliamentary seat by operation of the law.
Meanwhile, the campaign trail in Lavushimanda’s Mfuwe Constituency has been calm as three candidates on the ballot; Malama Mufunelo standing on UPND ticket, Charles Mubaanga on Socialist Party, and Brian Kunda on New Congress Party (NCP), fight for the seat.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 6, 2025
