HH DECLARES 2026 ELECTIONS A MUST-WIN, UNVEILS FIVE-POINT MESSAGE AT CHOMA RALLY
Choma – President Hakainde Hichilema has delivered a five-point message at his first major public rally this year ahead of the 2026 General Elections, declaring the polls a “must-win” to safeguard and accelerate the development gains recorded during his first term in office.
Addressing a massive crowd in Choma, President Hichilema said his message to the nation is anchored on love, care, unity, sustained development, and electoral victory on 13th August 2026 to ensure continuity of the UPND government’s development agenda.
The Head of State said his decision to seek office was driven by a deep love for Zambia and its people, noting that even before the 2021 elections he was determined to “take the bull by the horns” in order to change the country’s development trajectory.
President Hichilema said it is this love for the nation and every citizen that has guided his administration’s focus on delivering development and restoring dignity to the people.
He explained that caring for citizens has translated into tangible policies such as free education, the provision of desks to create a conducive learning environment, and the recruitment of over 42,000 teachers since his government took office.
The President urged Zambians to defeat hatred with love, stating that his administration remains focused on uniting the country and delivering results despite criticism from some quarters.
He said the mining sector has been revived, creating jobs for young people, increasing copper production, and contributing to the recent strengthening of the Kwacha against major convertible currencies, including the US dollar.
President Hichilema also announced continued support to traditional leadership, including the construction of chiefs’ palaces and the empowerment of their retainers through the provision of motorbikes.
Quoting economic ‘scripture’ the President said, “Seek ye economic growth and all other things shall fall into place,” noting that Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown from US$18 billion in 2021 to nearly US$36 billion, translating into more jobs, business opportunities, and increased treasury revenue to fund free education and the recruitment of teachers, nurses, and other public servants.
He stressed that despite persistent hostility from some sections, he remains undistracted and committed to delivering free education, job creation, and inclusive development.
On governance reforms, President Hichilema said Constitution Amendment Act No. 13 of 2025 (formerly Bill No. 7) was enacted out of love for democracy and the desire to bring women, youths, and marginalised groups into decision-making spaces. He thanked UPND, PF, and Independent Members of Parliament for supporting the Bill.
The President said his administration has, for the first time, facilitated the entry of 20 women, 15 youths, and five marginalised persons into Parliament through the mixed-member proportional representation system, strengthening inclusivity in governance.
He reaffirmed that his government serves all Zambians regardless of region, and will continue to care for the welfare of every citizen.
President Hichilema further highlighted achievements such as the NAPSA partial withdrawal, successful debt restructuring, and the restoration of law and order in the country.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the worst drought in living memory, apologising for prolonged load shedding, but assured the nation that the situation is improving steadily. He said government is investing in alternative energy sources to reduce reliance on hydroelectric power and permanently end load shedding.
The President also apologised to farmers for delays in payments for maize supplied to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), assuring them that all outstanding payments will soon be settled.
He explained that government initially planned to purchase 500,000 metric tonnes of maize, but revised the target to 1.6 million metric tonnes to ensure farmers receive a fair and rewarding price for their produce.
President Hichilema said government has secured export markets in neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, and will continue to increase mealie-meal exports, creating more opportunities for farmers and millers.
He concluded by stating that the work of transforming Zambia has only just begun, and called on citizens to unite and support the UPND in the 2026 General Elections to consolidate and expand the development gains achieved so far.
© Falcon News
There is no way Zambians would support a tribalist conman liar.
REJECT TRIBALISM, CORRUPTION AND OPPRESSION.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
And those Zambians you are referring to are just “you” and your dull PF, who are just below 800K, if were are being generous by removing ECL`s 1million, because those are gone, and guess where? To HH.
Mwanyala !!. For 4 years, you lamentably FAILED to put your house in order, and you think you can manage 20 million people? What a joke.
He may get 98% of the votes this time around
Okey, so UPND was allowed to hold a rally, will opposition political parties also be allowed to hold rallies after the choma rally?????
The president has the power to meet people arount the country before elections campaign kicks off without a permit, its his prerogative. Learn to use your common sense.How old are you not to know this?