Hichilema should serve for 20 years – Chief Shakumbila
SENIOR Chief Shakumbila of the Sala-Ila people of Shibuyunji district, Central Province says President Hakainde Hichilema needs to serve as Head of State for at least 15 to 20 years so that his developmental plans can be properly implemented.
Chief Shakumbila stated that President Hichilema is the best President Zambia has ever produced so far.
He said it would be unfair for the country to vote out the current Head of State when all he has ever done was develop the nation in ways others couldn’t.
“Us here, we have no any other party other than UPND. Hakainde is the only president. You just need a person who can plan better for the country, and that is HH,” he explained.
“And if it were me, I would have said no elections, we give this young man another 20 years to put his plans properly. After that it’s when we can go for elections, I don’t know what’s wrong with that. You don’t need to confuse someone who has come with a better plan.”
The traditional leader also thanked the President for the construction of chief’s palaces across the country.
“HH has built 288 palaces throughout this country. Since independence, no president ever thought of building palaces. It’s not easy to build 288 palaces. Some of our friends, it will be the first time to have such a palace,” he said.
“The only thing the president should add on is a vehicle. 288 vehicles should accompany the palaces. Some of the places when you go, you won’t even know that this is a chief’s palace,” he stated.
The chief said if Zambians want free education to continue then voting for President Hichilema would be ideal.
“No one thought we would have free education in Zambia, it came as a surprise. They were saying where will he get the money? People are going back to school because of free education,” he stated.
He further noted that the country was now peaceful, thanks to the leadership qualities of President Hichilema.
“There’s peace now in the country. What else do you need? You can go anywhere now without getting beaten,” said the senior traditional leader.
The chief said this on Saturday during a courtesy call at his palace by Nangoma Constituency media team.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 15, 2025
When the Illegitimate and unconstitutional Bill 7 passes, and if Hakainde retains the Presidency , these are the noises we will start hearing after 2026.
With Monopoly legislative power in the hands of 3 Regions, it will be a formality to remove the term limits for the Presidency from our constitution, and for Hakainde to rule forever.
Wamuyaya is in the making in Parliament today.
The chief should know better. Mr. Hichilema can serve for a maximum of two five year terms as per constitution and I dont believe that he would be so foolish as to tinker with the consitution to allow him go beyond two terms. After that his successor can carry on with the projects and vision of the party. Continuity should be based on the institution (party), not an individual.
As for his legacy ( best president), that can only be established after his reign.