UNIP leadership crisis deepens, as Kaonga seeks contempt proceedings against party president, Muyoba

Confusion in Zambia’s oldest political party, the United National Independence Party (UNIP), has escalated after party member, Frazer Kaonga, approached the Lusaka High Court seeking leave to commence contempt of court proceedings against UNIP President Henry Muyoba.

Kaonga, who was suspended from his position as Secretary-General, alleges that Muyoba acted in total disregard of a court order by appointing an acting Secretary-General without following proper procedures.

In his court filing, Kaonga said the defendant disobeyed an earlier court order by replacing him as Secretary-General and appointing another person, describing the move as wilful and intentional disobedience that caused him further damage and loss.

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The court order in question—issued on October 31, 2025—had specifically restrained Muyoba from suspending Kaonga or appointing anyone to act as Secretary-General until the matter was resolved.

Kaonga argued that Muyoba’s actions undermined the judiciary and violated the party’s constitution.

“I verily believe that the actions by the defendant are contemptuous,” Kaonga stated, requesting the court’s indulgence to grant leave to commence committal proceedings against Muyoba.

He further told the court that his suspension had damaged his reputation and that Muyoba acted outside the party constitution by allegedly suspending him arbitrarily.

Kaonga said if mediation had been the genuine intent, he should first have been given an opportunity to present his case.

Through the legal action, Kaonga is seeking a declaration that Muyoba lacks the authority under the party constitution to suspend him at will, along with an injunction restraining the UNIP president from issuing further suspensions or appointing another acting Secretary-General.

Muyoba, however, has defended his actions, stating that Kaonga was removed on September 29, 2025, for alleged gross misconduct, insubordination, and violations of the party constitution.

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