UPND Condemns Disinformation and Challenges Tonse Alliance to Publish a Plan

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has condemned what it describes as a coordinated disinformation campaign by the opposition Tonse Pamodzi alliance in the final weeks before Zambians go to the polls, and has challenged the alliance to set out a clear plan for the country instead.

The party pointed to a series of fabricated materials circulating online, including content published this week under the name of Congolese opposition leader Moïse Katumbi that falsely claimed he had endorsed a candidate in Zambia's election. Mr Katumbi publicly disowned the material, confirming he has not endorsed any presidential candidate or party and urging the public to disregard false information spread in his name. The UPND said forged government documents and falsified signatures had also formed part of the same effort.

The party contrasted this with the government's record under President Hakainde Hichilema, citing free education, the expanded Constituency Development Fund, Zambia's debt restructuring, and continued efforts to lower the cost of living.

UPND National Management Committee member and Kaputa parliamentary candidate Elvis Nkandu said the opposition had offered "not a policy, not an idea, not a single serious proposal," choosing to deceive voters rather than serve them. "One side is trying to win your vote with lies. The other is asking to earn it with results," he said, urging the alliance to tell Zambians how it would manage the economy and fund its promises.

The UPND urged citizens to treat unverified material online with caution and to rely on official channels.