FORMER KITWE MAYOR MWAYA MPASA CONCEDES CHIMWEMWE RACE WITH GRACE
…. congratulates Mwenya Musenge, celebrates grassroots milestones and vows to continue her journey of leadership
By DAVID KANDUZA
FOLLOWING the conclusion of the Chimwemwe parliamentary race, the UPND candidate Mwaya Mpasa has formally conceded the election, offering her congratulations to the victor, Mwenya Musenge.
In a statement dated August 16, 2026, Ms Mpasa defined by humility and faith, reflected on her extensive journey in local governance and expressed gratitude to her supporters.
“I wish Mr Mwenya Musenge well as he leads Chimwemwe forward,” Ms Mpasa stated, signaling a peaceful and respectful transition.
The election marks the end of a specific chapter in Ms Mpasa’s prominent political career, which she proudly described as “10 years of public service.”
Her civic leadership began at the grassroots level, serving as the Councillor for Itimpi Ward from 2016 to 2021.
The electorate subsequently elevated her to serve as the Mayor of Kitwe from 2021 to 2026.
Reflecting on her mayoral legacy, Ms Mpasa highlighted tangible developments brought to the local community, driven by a goal to connect Garneton to the wider district development grid.
“Together we delivered roads, a secondary school upgrade, street lights and police houses,” she noted.
“The smiles of our people fueled me,” Ms Mpasa said.
Despite finishing as the runner-up, she refused to view the second-place outcome as a definitive defeat.
“To the great people of Chimwemwe, thank you for your overwhelming support,” Ms Mpasa expressed.
“We did not lose. I was preferred as a second, and I received that with humility,” she said.
The candidate extended sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND leadership for adopting her as the parliamentary candidate.
She also recognised those who anchored her campaign financially, morally and spiritually, explicitly praising her family for their prayers and sacrifices.
Looking ahead, Ms Mpasa encouraged her online followers to stay energised as they await the swearing-in of Mr Hichilema to serve the nation.
Demonstrating her characteristic resilience, the former mayor closed her address with a powerful scriptural reflection from Job 14:7-9, reminding her supporters that setbacks were merely pauses before new growth: “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again… Yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant,” she said.
With a decade of civic administration behind her, Ms Mpasa’s message signaled that while this election cycle had closed, her dedication to the progress of Mother Zambia remained unceasing.