In a rare display of bipartisan support, Opposition Party for National Unity and Progress (PNUP) President Highvie Hamududu has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema’s candidacy for the 2026 elections, citing economic transformation as a driving factor. Speaking during the Chabuka Ne Sandula traditional ceremony in Mansa, Mr. Hamududu highlighted the President’s leadership in reviving the economy through robust policies, including the reopening of mines, which he credited as key to Zambia’s unprecedented growth trajectory.
“The fiscal discipline coupled with running mines, industrial production, and agriculture will strengthen the economic base, leading to a lower cost of living,” Mr. Hamududu said. His praise extended to the government’s energy mix initiative, which he described as a forward-looking plan to safeguard the country against drought-induced energy crises. “I would want to thank you, Your Excellency, for the energy mix; this initiative will help us switch when hydro fails this country,” he noted.
Hamududu also made a case for leadership consistency, arguing that sustainable development requires stability. “No country has developed through changing presidencies; consistency is vital for progress. Zambia’s economy will improve within the next 18 months due to the government’s robust economic policies,” he added.
His sentiments found resonance among other leaders present, including Mansa Member of Parliament Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, who expressed confidence in President Hichilema’s visionary governance. Dr. Chilufya commended the increased Constituency Development Funds (CDF), describing them as a hallmark of the administration’s commitment to grassroots development. He also lauded the introduction of free education, emphasizing its impact on vulnerable children nationwide. “Free education has truly opened doors for children who otherwise had no access to learning,” he stated.
President Hichilema’s presence at the Chabuka Ne Sandula traditional ceremony underscored his focus on inclusivity and cultural heritage. The event, which commemorates the crossing of the Luapula River by various ethnic groups from the Democratic Republic of Congo, celebrates the unity and resilience of these communities. Today, it stands as a significant cultural gathering for Ushi chiefdoms, including Senior Chief Chimese, Mabumba, Kalasa, and others, reflecting the rich history of the region.
As President Hichilema continues to advocate for policies aimed at economic stabilization, infrastructure development, and education reform, endorsements like Hamududu’s signal a growing consensus on the importance of his leadership in navigating Zambia’s future. Whether this unity will translate into sustained economic progress remains a question of implementation and the collective resolve to prioritize development over division.