Mulopa Kaunda: Denies Banda Vehicle Gift Amid ZRA Claims

• Zambia Revenue Authority employee Mulopa Kaunda has vehemently denied allegations of gifting a vehicle to Archbishop Alick Banda.
• Kaunda stated he has never seen or touched the vehicle that the ZRA claimed he purchased and subsequently sold to the Archbishop.
• These allegations emerged from a Diggers investigation published on January 7, 2026.
• Kaunda indicated he has endured significant hardship related to these claims, stating he has "suffered over four" in connection with the allegations, which have now led to formal charges against Archbishop Banda.
• The incident highlights ongoing public scrutiny regarding transactions involving Zambian public officials and prominent figures, with Archbishop Alick Banda now formally charged and arrested in connection with the matter.

Mulopa Kaunda, an employee of the Zambia Revenue Authority, has unequivocally denied allegations that he gifted a vehicle to Archbishop Alick Banda, stating he has never interacted with the car in question.

Mulopa Kaunda, an employee of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), has unequivocally denied allegations that he gifted a vehicle to Archbishop Alick Banda, stating he has never interacted with the car in question. Kaunda's strong denial comes amidst claims that he purchased a vehicle from the ZRA institution and subsequently sold it to the prominent religious leader. He asserts that he has "never seen or touched" the specific vehicle that forms the basis of these allegations. This direct refutation challenges the narrative put forth by the ZRA regarding the alleged transaction.

The ZRA employee's statement directly contradicts the assertion that he was involved in such a transaction, emphasizing a complete lack of personal involvement with the vehicle. His denial aims to distance himself entirely from the alleged gift, which has drawn public attention. The incident, which has progressed to formal charges and court proceedings, underscores the ongoing scrutiny of transactions involving public officials and prominent figures in Zambia, highlighting potential reputational risks and the importance of transparent dealings to avoid allegations of impropriety or corruption.

These serious allegations against Mulopa Kaunda surfaced as part of a comprehensive investigation conducted by Diggers, with findings published on January 7, 2026. The investigation brought to light the Zambia Revenue Authority's internal claims that Kaunda had acquired a vehicle from the institution and then transferred ownership to Archbishop Alick Banda. This specific claim by the ZRA is what Kaunda is now publicly disputing. The Diggers investigation Mulopa Kaunda has thus become a focal point for understanding the specifics of the alleged transaction and the subsequent denial.

Kaunda has indicated he has endured significant hardship related to these claims, stating he has "suffered over four" in connection with the allegations, which have now led to formal charges against Archbishop Banda. The public nature of the Diggers investigation and the formal charges against a high-profile figure like Archbishop Banda have amplified the scrutiny surrounding this matter, placing pressure on all parties for clarity and legal resolution.

The denial by Mulopa Kaunda regarding the Banda vehicle gift highlights the intense public interest in the financial dealings of Zambian public officials, particularly those within institutions like the Zambia Revenue Authority. Such incidents invariably raise questions about transparency and accountability within government bodies. The allegations, even if denied, contribute to a broader narrative where transactions involving public servants and influential individuals are subject to rigorous examination by the media and the public.

This case serves as a reminder for compliance officers to reinforce policies on gifts and asset transactions for employees, especially those in sensitive positions. The Zambian public official gift denial, regardless of its veracity, underscores the critical need for clear ethical guidelines and robust oversight to prevent even the appearance of impropriety. The involvement of Archbishop Alick Banda, now formally charged in connection with the matter, further elevates the profile of the case, ensuring continued public and media attention on its resolution and the integrity of the individuals and institutions involved.

This incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny of transactions involving public officials and prominent figures in Zambia, highlighting potential reputational risks and the importance of transparent dealings to avoid allegations of impropriety or corruption. Compliance officers should note the public interest in such matters and reinforce policies on gifts and asset transactions for employees.

Source: Original reporting via Diggers and The Zambian Observer.