There is no evidence that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered the Zambia Police Service to stop Brian Mundubile’s campaign rallies. Both the Zambia Police Service and State House have dismissed the claim as false.
Claim:
On 5 August 2026, Facebook pages Patriotic Front and Emmanuel Mwamba published posts claiming that President Hakainde Hichilema had instructed the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Fred Hamaamba, to stop NRPUP President Brian Mundubile’s rallies and roadshows, including those planned for Southern Province.
The posts also alleged that UPND cadres had been dressed in Zambia Police uniforms and were accompanying police officers assigned to monitor Mr. Mundubile and his lawyer, Makebi Zulu, during their campaign activities.
Verdict: False
Rating Justification:
To verify the claims, iVerify Zambia contacted Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi.
Mr. Chilabi categorically denied the allegations, stating that President Hakainde Hichilema did not issue any directive to Deputy Inspector General Fred Hamaamba or any police officers to block Brian Mundubile’s rallies or roadshows. He described the claims as fabricated and emphasized that there was no such instruction from the President.
Mr. Chilabi further stated that although the President is the Commander-in-Chief, there was no basis for claims that he had directed the Zambia Police Service to prevent opposition political activities.
iVerify Zambia also contacted State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, who dismissed the allegations as false and said no such directive had been issued by the President.
No credible evidence was found to support the claims circulating on social media.
Conclusion
The claim that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered the Zambia Police Service to stop NRPUP President Brian Mundubile’s campaign rallies and roadshows is false. Both the Zambia Police Service and State House have categorically denied the allegation, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate it.
False claims involving political leaders, political parties, and state institutions can undermine public trust, heighten political tensions, and mislead voters, particularly during an election period. Citizens are encouraged to rely on credible and official sources for election-related information and to verify sensational claims before sharing them. Responsible information sharing helps protect the integrity of public discourse and supports peaceful, informed democratic participation.
