Mundubile Promises Expanded Free Education Plan

Presidential Candidate Pledges Free Uniforms, Books, Shoes and Transport

Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has pledged to introduce what he describes as a more comprehensive free education programme if elected, promising to provide learners with essential educational materials and improve support for teachers.

Mundubile made the pledge while outlining his education priorities, arguing that the current free education policy introduced by the UPND government does not go far enough to address the practical challenges faced by pupils and teachers.

Free Learning Materials for Pupils

According to Mundubile, his proposed education programme would go beyond removing school fees. He said his administration would provide pupils with free school uniforms, textbooks and school shoes, alongside other forms of support intended to make education more accessible to families.

He said the programme would initially give priority to learners in rural communities before being expanded to schools in urban areas across Zambia.

Mundubile argued that removing school fees alone does not eliminate all the financial challenges families face when sending children to school. Costs associated with uniforms, books, footwear and transportation can still make education difficult for households with limited incomes.

Transport Support for Schools

Another part of Mundubile’s proposal is the introduction of dedicated transportation for schools.

He has promised that every school would eventually have access to a school vehicle or modern bus that could be used to transport teachers to and from work. According to the presidential candidate, the measure would help address transportation difficulties, particularly in areas where teachers travel long distances to reach their schools.

Mundubile said improved transportation would also contribute to teacher safety and make it easier for educators to report for duty consistently.

Focus on Teacher Welfare

The proposed education plan also includes measures aimed at improving the welfare of teachers.

Mundubile has pledged to provide teachers with competitive salaries and improved employment benefits. He argued that better working conditions are necessary for attracting and retaining qualified teachers while improving the quality of education delivered in schools.

The presidential candidate said teachers remain central to the success of any education policy and therefore need adequate support to perform their responsibilities effectively.

Criticism of the Current Free Education Policy

Mundubile has criticised the UPND government’s implementation of free education, arguing that the policy has not fully achieved its intended objectives.

He accused the government of using political influence in the implementation of the programme and said his administration would instead seek to establish what he described as a genuinely comprehensive education system.

The UPND government introduced free education as one of its major policy measures, with the programme aimed at reducing financial barriers that prevent children from accessing education. The policy has resulted in increased enrolment, while also creating additional demands on schools and educational infrastructure.

Rural Communities to Receive Priority

Mundubile’s proposal places particular emphasis on rural learners.

He said children in rural areas would be prioritised during the initial implementation of the expanded programme before the benefits are extended across urban communities. The focus reflects the challenges faced by some rural schools, where pupils can encounter difficulties accessing learning materials and transportation.

If implemented, the proposed programme would represent an expansion of free education beyond tuition-related support and into other costs associated with attending school.

The Bigger Education Debate

Education remains one of the major issues likely to feature prominently in Zambia’s political debate, particularly as political parties present their plans for the country’s young population.

For families, the cost of education extends beyond school fees. Uniforms, shoes, books, transportation and other requirements can place additional pressure on household finances.

Mundubile’s proposal therefore seeks to address several of these costs simultaneously. However, the implementation of such a programme would require significant financial resources, infrastructure and effective planning.

As the 2026 election debate continues, voters will ultimately assess how different political parties and presidential candidates intend to finance and implement their education promises.

For Mundubile, the proposed expansion of free education forms part of his broader argument that Zambia needs policies that provide direct and practical support to ordinary citizens.

His pledge to provide free uniforms, books, shoes and transportation, alongside improved teacher welfare, is now part of the education agenda he is presenting to voters ahead of the election.