By Gertrude Chanda
Tension has gripped Lusaka Civic Centre as competing claims continue to emerge over the UPND Lusaka mayoral adoption, with both Ketty Nanyangwe and Chitambala Mwewa reportedly linked to the same position.
Party members and cadres gathered at the Civic Centre have expressed mixed reactions, with one group strongly backing Nanyangwe, describing her as a unifying figure who engages citizens and marketeers through a calm and inclusive approach. Nanyangwe has not publicly commented on the matter.
Another group has thrown its support behind Mwewa, who has already made public remarks defending his approach to sanitation and discipline in Lusaka.
Mwewa has maintained that stricter enforcement is necessary in addressing littering, arguing that softer methods have failed.
“The soft approach to filth and litter hasn’t worked. We need a new aggressive approach. When you see someone throwing something on the ground, shout, ‘Iwe doba apo,’” Mwewa said.
Meanwhile, at Nakatindi Hall, nomination activities remain unusually slow, with reports indicating that none of the eight candidates from various political parties had arrived to file their nominations as of the latest update, raising concern among officials and observers on the ground.
The situation remains fluid as the Civic Centre dispute and delayed nominations continue to unfold.
©️Zambia, 21st May 2026