President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed optimism that he will win the 2026 general elections slated for August.
ZANIS reports that President Hichilema is basing his confidence on the numerous development achievements scored by his administration in the past four years it has been in power.
Speaking in Choma during a public engagement held at the Choma Sports Club grounds, the President said he will demonstrate his love and care for Zambians through increased development, job creation, support for the agriculture sector, and expansion of solar energy projects among other efforts.
“I am committed to delivering development and opportunities for all Zambians while addressing challenges like energy shortages,” he said.
He asked Zambians to bear with his administration for load-shedding the country has experienced, assuring the nation that the government is working to increase energy production through coal and solar power generation.
President Hichilema further reiterated his government’s dedication to sustained economic growth through the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), revitalising the mines and debt restructuring initiatives among other things.
The President has since urged citizens to protect the gains achieved so far by turning out in large numbers to vote for him and members of his party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), on 13 August 2026.
“This year presents a significant opportunity for the UPND to continue implementing policies and development projects that benefit every Zambian.”
“Zambians must vote to ensure continuity of free education, meal allowances, and other critical programmes,” he said.
Meanwhile, senior UPND members in Southern Province have officially endorsed President Hichilema as the sole candidate for the upcoming general elections.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, who is also Monze Central Member of Parliament, Jack Mwiimbu, said all parliamentarians in Southern Province have endorsed the incumbent President’s candidature.
“Parliamentarians were able to defeat Bill Ten and pass Bill Seven because of President Hichilema’s stewardship,” Mr Mwiimbu said.
And Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Charles Milupi, recollected that President Hichilema inherited a country that had witnessed gassing, burning of markets, and a declining economy when he ascended to power in 2021.
“Under his leadership, the economy is projected to reach K36 billion this year. Government is also tarring Monze-Niko, Monze-Mazabuka, and Rusangu roads, and plans to construct bypass roads in Monze and Choma,” Mr Milupi explained.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, said the economy is now growing at five percent after declining under the previous regime.
“Over one thousand artisanal miners have been trained in safe mining and legal trading on the Copperbelt, and this programme will soon expand to other provinces,” Mr Kabuswe said.
Further, Independent MP for Chasefu Constituency in Eastern Province, Misheck Nyambose, described President Hichilema as a blessing to Zambia.
“I have never seen a leader with such a good heart, inclusive in governance. CDF has increased to K40 million per constituency in 2026, and Chasefu alone has received 156 million since 2021,” Mr Nyambose said.
Hundreds of people today turned up to attend the public engagement and listen to what the President had for them.
