UPND IS STINGY, YOU CAN’T SURVIVE IN THEIR PARTY, SAYS PAUL MOONGA AS HE JOINS MUNDUBILE.

LUSAKA – In a significant development reverberating through Zambia's political corridors, veteran politician Paul Moonga has reportedly severed ties with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to align himself with opposition stalwart Brian Mundubile. The defection, widely reported by various local outlets, sees Moonga lambasting the UPND for its alleged financial austerity, claiming the party's "stinginess" makes it untenable for members to thrive. This high-profile move underscores the fluid nature of Zambian politics, particularly as the nation gears up for crucial internal party conferences and the broader political contest ahead of the 2026 general elections. Moonga's departure is a stark reminder of the financial pressures and expectations often faced by political figures in Zambia. His assertion that one "can't survive" in the UPND due to its lack of financial backing for its cadres highlights a recurring theme in Zambian political discourse: the perceived need for patronage and material support within party structures. While the UPND, under President Hakainde Hichilema, has often projected an image of fiscal prudence and anti-corruption, Moonga's statement suggests that this approach might be creating internal dissent among members accustomed to different political patronage systems. This sentiment is not entirely new, with past analyses noting that issues of funding are a critical problem in a country without legislated state funding of political parties, leading to candidates often self-funding or seeking external benefactors. The timing of Moonga's defection is particularly strategic, occurring as Brian Mundubile's camp actively consolidates support. Mundubile, who was elected President of the Tonse Alliance in January 2026, has been vocal about uniting various opposition factions under his banner, promising national unity and inclusive prosperity. His alliance, which includes elements from the Patriotic Front (PF) and other parties, ai