The Editor Zambia
With just weeks before Zambia’s August 13 general elections, Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile is once again facing intense scrutiny over road construction contracts worth more than K1.5 billion awarded to companies in which he allegedly has an interest during the Patriotic Front (PF) administration.
The latest pressure has come from the Southern African Network Against Corruption (SANAC), which has challenged Mundubile to publicly account for the contracts, arguing that anyone seeking to manage the country’s finances must first demonstrate transparency over their own record. 
SANAC insists it is not making accusations but asking legitimate questions that every presidential candidate should be prepared to answer.
The organisation has asked Mundubile to explain whether he declared to Parliament his interest in companies awarded the contracts while serving as a member of Parliament between 2014 and 2020.
It has also called on him to publish contracts, tender documents, payment records, completion certificates, and engineering reports showing what was delivered using public funds.
Further, SANAC has challenged the opposition leader to visit one of the roads constructed by his companies together with journalists and local residents to demonstrate the value delivered to taxpayers.
The civil society organisation has also requested that he identify an independent engineer, auditor, or inspector—outside the government under which the contracts were awarded—who verified that the works were completed according to contractual standards.
The questions come against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Earlier this year, the ACC confirmed that it had summoned Mundubile for questioning and recorded a warn-and-caution statement concerning the awarding of road construction contracts valued at more than K1.5 billion in Northern, Eastern, Western and Central provinces to companies in which he allegedly has an interest.
The Commission has stated that investigations remain ongoing and have not reached any conclusions on the matter.
Ironically, one of the loudest voices to previously raise concerns over these very contracts was former PF Cabinet Minister Chishimba Kambwili, who is now actively campaigning for Mundubile.
During his fallout with the PF leadership, Kambwili publicly questioned the awarding of road contracts linked to Mundubile and challenged him to explain his involvement.
His remarks were widely reported at the time and formed part of broader criticism over alleged preferential treatment in the allocation of public contracts under the previous administration.
Today, however, Kambwili has emerged as one of Mundubile’s most prominent campaign allies, a development that has prompted political observers to question whether the concerns he once raised have now been abandoned for political convenience.
Governance experts say the controversy highlights the importance of consistency in public accountability, arguing that corruption allegations should neither be amplified nor ignored depending on shifting political alliances.
For many voters, the issue is not simply whether criminal liability will ultimately be established by investigators, but whether leaders seeking the presidency are willing to voluntarily provide documentation that reassures taxpayers about the management of public resources.
Infrastructure projects account for billions of Kwacha in government expenditure, making transparency in procurement and contract implementation essential to maintaining public confidence.
Political analysts note that Mundubile has an opportunity to address the matter directly by releasing the relevant contracts, payment schedules, completion certificates, and independent verification reports. Doing so, they argue, could help answer the questions now dominating public debate.
As the election campaign enters its decisive phase, accountability is likely to remain a key issue. While the ACC investigation must be allowed to proceed without prejudice, SANAC’s questions have placed the spotlight firmly on Mundubile’s record.
Whether he provides the answers sought by civil society—and whether his campaign allies, including those who once questioned the same contracts, address the apparent contradiction—may become an important factor in shaping public opinion before Zambians head to the polls.
