PF Loses More Members to UPND Ahead…

ThePatriotic Front(PF) has continued to lose members to the rulingUnited Party for National Development(UPND), just months before the August 13 general elections. The latest to defect is Masaiti Member of ParliamentMichael Katambo, a former Minister of Agriculture under the late PresidentEdgar Lungu. Mr Katambo announced his decision in Western Province during theKuomboka Ceremony, which was attended by PresidentHakainde Hichilema.

He attributed his defection to what he described as President Hichilema’s visionary leadership and delivery on key promises, including the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Mr Katambo said his decision was backed by the people of Masaiti, whom he claimed had urged him to support President Hichilema ahead of the 2026 elections. “I have come to testify to the good works of President Hakainde Hichilema… From now on, Mr President, I am one of you,” he said.

The development comes barely a week after Kanchibiya MPSunday Chandaand Isoka MPMajory Nakapondadeclared their support for President Hichilema’s development agenda. The two lawmakers were accompanied by Leader of the Opposition and PF acting presidentRobert Chabinga, along with several other defectors. Also joining the ruling party were council chairpersons from Nakonde, Chinsali, Shiwang’andu, Isoka, Mafinga and Kanchibiya districts.