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National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity Presidential Candidate, Brian Mundubile, has disavowed comments made by Tonse Alliance Finance Chairperson, Mutotwe Kafwaya, suggesting that Western Province did not need an international airport.
Mundubile said the comments did not reflect the position of the NRPUP or the Tonse Alliance, adding that he had confirmation that Kafwaya had apologized, and written to withdraw the statement unconditionally.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mundubile assured the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) that no Alliance member would campaign on a platform denying development to any part of Zambia, including Barotseland.
“I wish to make it absolutely clear that Hon Kafwaya’s comments reflected his personal views and not the position of the NRPUP and Tonse Alliance,” Mundubile said.
The NRPUP leader thanked the Barotse Royal Establishment for the chance to clarify the party’s stance.
“I wish to thank the Barotse Royal Establishment for the opportunity accorded to the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity to clarify its position on the matter,” he said.
Mundubile pledged that, if elected, his administration would work with traditional leadership to deliver development in a uniform, consultative, and inclusive manner.
“We pledge to work closely with our royal leadership to deliver development to Barotseland, as we will do to the rest of the country, in a manner that is uniform, consultative, and inclusive,” he said.
Mundubile said detailed policy proposals for Barotseland would be discussed when the party campaigns in the area.
He cited unfulfilled projects as evidence of past failures, naming King Lewanika University and a promised stadium where no construction has started despite land being provided.
“For Barotseland in particular, we pledge to work with the BRE to identify areas of priority, in addition to the policy proposals that we hope to implement,” he said.
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Mundubile also referenced alleged promises made before the 2021 general election and a certain January 2024 statement which he quoted as saying, “You don’t have a country called Barotseland.”
He claimed that the remark insulted the historical foundation of Zambia and noted no apology had been made.
“I understand the frustrations that can result from such disappointments and the festering sores left by the memory of careless remarks for which no apology has been made to date,” Mundubile said.
He asked Zambians to view the NRPUP as different and give the party a chance to restore trust between the public and leaders.
Specific pledges for Barotseland outlined in the statement included constructing quality roads such as the Mongu-Lusaka and Sesheke-Livingstone roads, investing in cattle and foot-and-mouth disease prevention, prioritizing locals for jobs, and providing more veterinary services and agricultural extension officers.
Mundubile also committed to improving education standards, building more secondary schools, employing teachers familiar with local culture and language, and upgrading Kalabo and Mongu airports.
“The party would share all ideas with the BRE and seek a common position. Together with my team, we promise to transform Barotseland. We promise to transform Zambia,” he said.
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