AGP Executive Report

Election Rumours: ECZ has strongly denied a viral claim that its chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis was arrested with pre-marked ballot papers, stressing no 2026 election ballot papers have been printed. Police Clarification: Zambia Police also dismissed social media reports linking the transfer of Chawama OIC Francis Mulundu to violence in the area, saying the statements attributed to the IGP are fabricated and that postings are routine. Ebola Preparedness: Government says Zambia is on high alert despite no confirmed cases linked to the current DRC/Uganda outbreak, while WHO delivered $22,000 in medical supplies to boost detection and response. Sports Spotlight: Jereem “The Dream” Richards won bronze in the Diamond League 400m in Stockholm; Zakithi Nene later took Diamond League gold in the 400m. Copper Queens Update: Zambia beat Kenya on penalties to reach the Four Nations final in Ndola, setting up a final against Zimbabwe. Culture & Theatre: Umkhathi Theatre’s “The Painted Kite” tackles bullying in schools through music, dance and audience participation. Music: Grallae is gaining attention as a rising independent Zambian artist blending Afrobeats and R&B.

Track & Field: Zambia’s Zakithi Nene clinched his second Diamond League 400m win in Stockholm, while Sinesipho Dambile grabbed silver in the men’s 200m as the Copper Queens’ momentum continues across sport. Women’s Football: The Copper Queens reached the Four Nations final in Ndola after beating Kenya 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, setting up a title clash with Zimbabwe. Health & Public Safety: WHO delivered a $22,000 Ebola preparedness package to Zambia, including PPE and lab reagents, to strengthen detection and response as the outbreak spreads in the region. Theatre & Youth: Umkhathi Theatre’s “The Painted Kite” uses music, dance and audience participation to tackle bullying in schools, with a healing message for children aged 9–13. Sports Venue Readiness: Zambia’s National Sports Stadium is said to be poised for CAF clearance ahead of major qualifiers. Global Media: Veteran broadcaster Jon Snow opened up about living with Alzheimer’s, sharing his diagnosis to raise awareness.

Women’s Football Spotlight: Zambia’s Copper Queens edged Kenya on penalties (4-1 after a 1-1 draw) to reach the Four Nations final in Ndola, where they’ll face Zimbabwe after the Zimbabwe side beat Lesotho 3-1. Music & Pop Culture: Rising Zambian talent Grallae is turning heads by blending Afrobeats, R&B and contemporary local sounds, building momentum through his independent releases and fan community, the Avians. Global Entertainment Buzz: UK broadcaster Jon Snow revealed he has been living with Alzheimer’s for four years, saying he wants to raise awareness ahead of a Channel 4 film airing 20 June. Sports Preview: Argentina take on Honduras in a World Cup warm-up friendly in Texas, with Messi’s side aiming to keep their strong run going. Zambia Politics Meets Media: ECZ told the Constitutional Court that Dolika Banda’s qualification lacks English, a key issue in the M’membe running mate nomination challenge.

Women’s Football: Zambia’s Copper Queens kicked off the FIFA Window Four Nations Tournament in Ndola with a Kenya clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, then battled to the final after a tense 1-1 draw that went to penalties, winning 4-1; Final Setup: Zambia will now face Zimbabwe in the Tuesday final after Zimbabwe beat Lesotho 3-1, with both sides using the tournament as WAFCON warm-up; Music Spotlight: Rising Lusaka talent Grallae is being tipped as the future of Zambian music, blending Afrobeats and R&B while building his “Avian” fan community; Entertainment & Health: UK broadcaster Jon Snow revealed he has been living with Alzheimer’s for four years, with his story set to air on Channel 4 on 20 June in “Jon Snow: A Last Big Story.”

National Unity & Culture: A Bemba-people representative in Kanchibiya urged Zambians to stay united and peaceful as they mourn Paramount Chief Mpezeni, calling him a “uniting factor” beyond ethnic lines. Media & Labour Recognition: Zambia’s Ministry of Information says it hit major milestones over the past year, including the Access to Information Act, media industry strengthening, and pension reforms—handing out 10 Labour Day awards to staff and ZANIS. Cost of Living Pressure: Tiger Brands warned consumers may face higher prices as fuel, logistics and key input costs keep squeezing manufacturers, with some cost increases likely to be passed on in sensitive categories like mayonnaise. World Environment Day (Kabwe): Activists renewed calls for justice over mining pollution in Kabwe, where lead exposure continues to endanger children and residents despite government commemoration. Entertainment/Media Awareness: UK broadcaster Jon Snow revealed he has Alzheimer’s, with his Channel 4 documentary “Jon Snow: A Last Big Story” set for 20 June. Election Media Oversight: Zambia’s IBA dismissed claims it banned a Mundubile/Makebi campaign song, saying it only advised broadcasters on election coverage to avoid hate and misinformation.

Health & Media: Legendary Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow, 79, has gone public with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, saying he hid it due to stigma and that the condition has changed his life; his journey will be featured in the Channel 4 documentary Jon Snow: A Last Big Story airing 20 June. Zambia Politics & Media Regulation: The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia is calling for stronger media regulation to protect children, citing a rise in “immoral, explicit, and indecent” entertainment content, while the Independent Broadcasting Authority insists it did not ban the Mundubile/Makebi campaign song—saying it only advised broadcasters on responsible election coverage. Electoral Process Watch: ECZ chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis urged parties and stakeholders to study the Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026, which introduces mixed-member proportional representation and extends PR to local councils. Courtroom Drama: ECZ told the Constitutional Court it received concerns about Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda’s Grade 12 qualifications after nomination validation was already completed—prompting fresh questions over who cleared her. Royal & National Mourning: President Hichilema granted Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV an official funeral and declared 9 June a national day of mourning, with public entertainment suspended and flags at half-mast. Sports Spotlight: Arena Sports Show featured Zambia’s Kalusha Bwalya and Thabang Monare reflecting on the UEFA Champions League final, while Zambia’s Mighty Warriors gear up for the Four-Nations Tournament ahead of Olympic qualifiers.

Sports & Wellness: PM Narendra Modi declared open the 1st World Yogasana Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, calling it a new chapter for yoga and a growing ecosystem for athletes, trainers and event managers. Football (Women’s): USA Women preview ahead of friendlies vs Brazil Women in São Paulo as both sides fine-tune squads for next year’s World Cup. Culture & Film: Ketchikan’s Filipino community story gets a spotlight in the 24-minute documentary “Bridging Our Stories,” tracing one woman’s work to keep Indigenous dance traditions alive. Zambia Sports (Women’s): Temwa Chawinga says she is “honest” about excusing herself from national duty, after reports she was unhappy with how FAM handled her request ahead of WAfCON preparations. Zambia Governance & Media: ZRA rubbishes claims it impounded Tonse Pamodzi Alliance campaign goods, saying investigations found the allegations false. Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s body is expected to arrive in Chipata as mourners pay tribute ahead of burial. Education & Pensions: President Hichilema assents to five bills, including Free Education becoming law and pension reforms aimed at improving benefits for workers and retirees. Sports (Regional): Zimbabwe unveils squads for CAVB Zone VI qualifiers in Harare, with Zambia among the teams.

Ngoni Royal Farewell: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s remains touched down at Chipata Airport as mourners gather ahead of a final farewell and burial scheduled for Tuesday, with officials urging the public to ignore misleading social media claims. Sports & Women’s Football: Temwa Chawinga says she is “honest” about excusing herself from national duty, pushing back on how FAM handled her request ahead of WAfCON preparations. Politics & Integrity: Zambia’s ZRA has dismissed social media claims it impounded Tonse Pamodzi Alliance trucks, saying investigations found the allegations false. Education Law: President Hichilema is set to sign the Free Education Bill into law, locking in free education as a permanent policy and coinciding with his 64th birthday. Election Readiness: ECZ launched an early warning conflict handling system to map hate speech, rumours and violence, alongside voter verification devices for August 13. STEM for Youth: Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology lessons to Zambian students, linking them with Merck scientists and University of Zambia volunteers. Music Spotlight: Lusaka musician Dalisoul Mwana Wamu Komboni was fined K800 for driving without a valid licence.

Sports & Gender: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 Southern African National Olympic Committees to push safer sport, women’s leadership, coaching roles, financing, and digital safety. STEM for Youth: Curiosity Cube™ is in Zambia again, running hands-on synthetic biology experiments with Merck staff and University of Zambia volunteers to spark STEM careers. Football Admin: FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya says Football House will focus on professionalism, teamwork, and transparent governance. Combat Sports: MMA Zambia’s Mixed Martial Arts team returned from Luanda with 16 medals—gold for Alex Bwalya, silver for Justin Mweene, and bronze for Zinaida Nanyinza. Rugby Update: The Cheetahs are set for the Rugby Africa Cup Sevens in Mauritius (June 20–21), with Zambia in their pool. Election Tech: ECZ launched an early warning conflict handling system with online accreditation and voter verification devices ahead of August 13. Education & Safety: Police in Sinda are investigating an alleged child sexual abuse case involving a 15-year-old girl. Music/Events: KUTX is set to host W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend to Cause Havoc), a re-formed Zamrock psychedelic act, in Lusaka.

Election Security: North-Western Province Police Commissioner Brighton Siwale ordered officers to act firmly against political violence and promised an operational electoral security plan, while urging journalists to stay professional and accurate. Sports—MMA: OYDC Zambia celebrated Mixed Martial Arts Zambia’s big medal haul in Luanda, Angola, with Alex Bwalya (gold), Justin Mweene (silver) and Zinaida Nanyinza (bronze), as the team returned with 16 medals from 20 athletes. Football Administration: FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya vowed teamwork, professionalism and transparent dialogue at Football House after taking over the role. Politics & Law (Election Season): Police and the courts continue to shape the election narrative as cases tied to nominations and alleged assaults draw attention, including the ongoing legal dispute involving former minister Gary Nkombo. Business/Entertainment Crossover: CopperTech Metals, a Vedanta spin-off with Zambia assets, has filed for an NYSE IPO, while Atomic Eagle qualified for OTCQX trading—both keeping Zambia’s copper story in global headlines. Culture & Film: A feature on China-Africa people-to-people exchanges highlights the viral “Song of Chambishi” from Zambian miners, showing how music travels with industry.

Zambia Football & WAFCON Prep: Harambee Starlets will jet to Lusaka for the Four-Nations FIFA Tournament as coach Beldine Odemba frames it as key final preparation for WAFCON in Morocco, with Zambia among the targeted opponents. Sports (Regional): A 410-swimmer field from Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia is set for the Tanzania National Junior Championship in Dar es Salaam, with clubs including Ndola Rapids and Lechwe from Zambia. Court & Politics: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court set July 14 for judgment in Raphael Nakacinda’s seditious practices case tied to social media claims about Edgar Lungu’s Chifwema home. Entertainment (Film): A new debut film, Shape of Momo, explores gender expectations through the “momo” shapes and a return to Sikkim, mixing culture and personal conflict. Sports (Zambia-linked legacy): Wawa Chongo’s family is working to keep the late Zambia and Mufulira Wanderers legend’s legacy alive beyond football. Culture & Community: Eritrean nationals in Zambia and beyond marked 35 years of independence with cultural and artistic programmes.

Football Legacy: Harrison “Wawa” Chongo’s family is keeping his Zambia and Mufulira Wanderers legend alive 15 years after his 2011 death, with his son Castro leading efforts like collecting memories and keeping the “Wawa Chongo” street name in Mufulira’s Ndeke Township. Court & Media: A Lusaka Magistrates’ Court set July 14 for judgment in Raphael Nakacinda’s seditious practices case tied to alleged social media claims about raids on Edgar Lungu’s home. Sports Spotlight: Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga hit back at critics over missing Scorchers friendlies, saying she chose honesty and could have faked an injury. Women’s Football: Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp in Ikenne for friendlies against Senegal ahead of WAFCON, with Gift Monday and Asisat Oshoala named in the squad. Zambia Elections Push: ECZ launched the “Count Me In” voter sensitisation campaign, targeting women, youths, first-time voters and persons with disabilities across all wards. Padel in the Region: First Capital Bank and Hashtag Fitness backed the FCB Padel Cup in Malawi, with Zambia among the participating countries.

Sports Sponsorship: First Capital Bank (FCB) has partnered with Hashtag Fitness to inject K40 million into padel development, launching the FCB Padel Cup in Blantyre (June 6–13) with regional players from Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana, and a grand finale in Botswana. Football (Women’s): Zambia’s Copper Queens will face Kenya at the Four Nations Tournament in Ndola (June 6–9) at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with coach Nora Häuptle naming a 29-player squad including foreign-based stars. Music/Media: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) says it has not banned political campaign songs, but reminds broadcasters to keep election content from promoting hatred or unverified claims. Elections (Civic): The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) launched the “Count Me In” voter sensitisation campaign, targeting women, youths, PWDs and first-time voters across all wards, districts and provinces. Community/Arts: Kabula Festival’s second edition in Blantyre drew poetry, music and fashion acts, despite a late setback when a South African performer missed a flight.

ECZ Voter Push: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has launched its “Count Me In” campaign ahead of the 2026 General Elections, urging eligible citizens to vote and placing extra focus on women, youths, people with disabilities and first-time voters across all 1,858 wards. Election Rules & Media: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued guidance to broadcasters to keep election content responsible and non-inflammatory. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s Copper Queens are set to face Kenya at the 4 Nations Tournament in Ndola (June 6-9), with coach Nora Häuptle naming a 29-player squad including key foreign-based stars. Football Build-Up: Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp in Ikenne for friendlies against Senegal as they fine-tune for WAFCON 2026. Culture in Mourning: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has triggered tributes across Zambia, with many calling him a unifying custodian of Ngoni culture. Public Safety Online: Lusaka police arrested a 22-year-old woman over alleged viral obscene videos, with investigations ongoing.

Elections & Media Freedom: Zambia’s IBA says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued guidance to broadcasters to keep election content responsible and non-inflammatory. Public Safety & Online Culture: Police arrested Lusaka’s Rebecca Mulenga (Metisha Mulenga) over viral obscene videos, with investigations ongoing under Zambia’s cyber laws. Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV has died, ending a 44-year reign; President Hichilema led national tributes, with many Zambians mourning the future of Ncwala. Health Watch: Zambia cleared two suspected Ebola cases after lab tests and is stepping up screening and surveillance at entry points, as DRC reports rise. Politics & Accountability: A Zed Podcast duo was released after police questioning linked to an interview with former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu, while debate continues over constitutional fairness and election-season conduct. Sports & Entertainment Buzz: Malawian Afropop star Onesimus’ “Son of Grace” hit No. 1 on South African iTunes with “Someone to Love” featuring Liema Pantsi.

Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV has died at 75, ending a 44-year reign; President Hakainde Hichilema confirmed the passing and described him as a unifying custodian of Ngoni culture, with mourning and tributes flooding in after hours of social media speculation. Election Season Media & Music: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has denied banning political campaign songs, saying it only issues election-content guidance to broadcasters to prevent hatred and inflammatory messaging. Cybercrime & Viral Content: Lusaka police, with the Zambia Cyber Security Agency, arrested 22-year-old Rebecca Mulenga (Metisha Mulenga) over alleged production and sharing of obscene viral videos, with investigations ongoing before prosecution. Public Health Watch: Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases have tested negative as it steps up screening and surveillance at entry points, amid rising regional concern. Health & Wellness: Dr. Gabriel Pollen addressed public worry over his weight loss, insisting he is healthy and stronger, linking his approach to Zambia’s rising hypertension and obesity trends. Arts & Culture: Zambia’s music scene gets a boost as Malawi Afropop star Onesimus’ “Son of Grace” climbs African charts, with “Someone to Love” featuring Liema Pantsi hitting No. 1 on South African iTunes.