🇿🇲 CAMPAIGN WATCH | Teddy Bear Becomes UPND Campaign Trademark as Lusaka Rural Roars
President Hakainde Hichilema on Saturday shifted his campaign into Lusaka Rural, opening a two-day tour with rallies in Luangwa and Rufunsa before proceeding to Chongwe, where thousands were already gathered as this report was being filed. The movement marks the next phase of the UPND’s national campaign after concluding an intensive tour of Eastern Province on Friday.
One image, however, is increasingly becoming as recognisable as the campaign itself. A giant UPND teddy bear, dancing alongside musicians before joining the President on stage, has evolved from a novelty into one of the campaign’s defining symbols.
Wherever the presidential convoy arrives, supporters rush forward to photograph the teddy bear, wave at it and dance alongside it, turning the mascot into an unexpected attraction that now travels with the campaign
Beyond the spectacle, the rallies continued to carry a familiar message.
Addressing supporters in Luangwa, President Hichilema thanked residents for what he described as their continued confidence in the UPND, promising that work on rural roads, schools, health facilities, mobile network connectivity and measures to reduce human-animal conflict would continue.
“We value your continued support. We value your recognition of our efforts to change lives and this we shall continue to do,” the President told the gathering.
The campaign then moved to Rufunsa, where Hichilema framed the election as a choice between continuity and reversal, urging voters to “keep moving Zambia forward.”
Hichilema cited continued job creation, expanding business opportunities and what he described as the restoration of public order in markets and other public spaces.
“This is not to look back but forward ever. We are continuing to create jobs and business opportunities for you all,” he said.
As the campaign progressed into Chongwe, large crowds lined the route while many supporters raised phones to record the President’s arrival. Families, young people and elderly residents were visible throughout the gathering, reflecting a campaign style that has increasingly combined entertainment, symbolism and political messaging.
The UPND enters Lusaka Rural conscious of the province’s electoral importance. While Lusaka Province has traditionally produced competitive contests, the rural constituencies surrounding the capital are increasingly viewed as strategic battlegrounds capable of influencing both parliamentary outcomes and the presidential vote.
© The People’s Brief | Ollus R. Ndomu