Opposition Points to Development Failures
MONGU – Western Province Patriotic Front (PF) Chairperson Bright Kufuka has charged that the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is rapidly losing popularity in the region.
He attributes this decline to what he describes as the UPND’s lack of political will to deliver meaningful development to the people of Western Province.
Kufuka said that the PF, working alongside the Tonse Alliance, is now intensifying efforts to mobilize structures and penetrate areas where the ruling party once enjoyed strong support.
Incomplete Projects Raise Concerns
Speaking in Mongu, Kufuka lamented that the UPND administration has failed to initiate major new projects and is merely completing infrastructure that was already started by the previous PF government.
He cited the delayed completion of King Lewanika University and the lack of progress in upgrading Lewanika General Hospital as glaring examples of failed promises.
According to Kufuka, people in Western Province feel abandoned, as they are yet to see the tangible change they were promised during the 2021 elections.
Tonse Alliance Targets Western Province
Kufuka further revealed that the PF and its partners in the Tonse Alliance are prioritizing the Western Province in their national strategy.
He explained that once back in power, they would focus on completing King Lewanika University, upgrading Lewanika General Hospital, and introducing new economic projects in the region.
"Our goal is to restore hope and confidence by delivering real development," Kufuka said.
UPND Dismisses Allegations
However, the UPND has described Kufuka's remarks as nothing more than wishful thinking, insisting that the party has actually grown stronger in Western Province.
UPND Deputy Secretary General Gertrude Imenda argued that the massive turnout at President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent Kuomboka ceremony visit proves the party’s popularity remains intact.
"We are more popular today than we were in 2021," Imenda stated.
Analysts Weigh In
Meanwhile, political analysts have observed that while the UPND maintains control nationally, its grassroots support in some regions like Western Province appears vulnerable.
State Counsel Sakwiba Sikota recently noted that the UPND’s internal unity may be superficial and largely held together by incumbency.
In separate remarks, Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba accused the UPND of underperforming across all key sectors, fueling discontent even among traditional support bases.
Public Discontent Growing
Residents in Mongu and surrounding districts have increasingly voiced dissatisfaction over the high cost of living and lack of visible economic improvement.
Economist Daimone Siulapwa noted that the government's struggle to stabilize agriculture and mining sectors has worsened public frustrations.
"There is a growing feeling that the UPND has not lived up to its economic promises," Siulapwa said.
Shifting Political Landscape
The political atmosphere in Western Province remains fluid, with opposition parties actively mobilizing and building alliances to challenge the UPND in 2026.
As the 2026 general elections approach, all signs point to a highly competitive race in a region that was once considered a UPND stronghold.
The next few months will likely determine whether the UPND can reclaim the trust of the Western Province electorate.
Sources:
- External: Barotseland Broadcasting Network
- Internal: For more political news, visit our Political News section
Category: Political News
