KASAMBO GAINS YOUTH BACKING IN MPONGWE WEST RACE

KASAMBO GAINS YOUTH BACKING IN MPONGWE WEST RACE

In a bold and politically significant development within the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), youths in Mpongwe West Constituency have unanimously endorsed Mr. Emmanuel Kasambo as their preferred candidate for the forthcoming parliamentary by-election.

The endorsement, delivered during a high-energy gathering at the Mpongwe Youth Resource Centre, drew hundreds of young people from all six wards. The youths rallied behind Kasambo, describing him as a “developmental catalyst” and “a true son of the soil” capable of driving meaningful change in the constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the Mpongwe Youth for Development Forum, Chairperson Kelvin Mwape said the decision followed extensive consultations with various grassroots stakeholders, including youth groups, marketeers, and small-scale farmers.

“We are not just choosing a candidate; we are choosing a future. Emmanuel Kasambo understands our struggles unemployment, poor drainage systems, and lack of skills training opportunities. The youth are tired of being used during campaigns and forgotten afterward. Mr. Kasambo has assured us that this time, we will have a seat at the table,” Mwape said.

The endorsement comes at a crucial moment as the UPND leadership is yet to officially open nominations for the by-election. Despite this, Kasambo’s support base appears to be gaining momentum, with increasing visibility on social media platforms and local radio discussions.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kasambo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and outlined his development agenda, anchored on three key pillars: youth employment through agricultural value addition, establishment of a modern skills training centre, and rehabilitation of feeder roads to improve market access for rural farmers.

“This is not about personal ambition it is about restoring the pride and progress of Mpongwe West. I commit to introducing a monthly youth accountability forum, broadcast live on local radio, where you will have the power to question and guide leadership,” Kasambo said.

In a symbolic gesture, the youths presented Kasambo with an “adoption certificate” alongside a UPND-branded chitenge, while urging the party’s central committee to respect the will of the people at grassroots level.

Political analysts observe that Mpongwe West remains a highly competitive constituency, with the youth vote estimated at nearly 60 percent of registered voters likely to play a decisive role. The early endorsement is seen as a strategic move to influence the party’s candidate selection process.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt UPND Provincial Youth Chairperson, Mr. Chanda Mulenga, acknowledged the endorsement but emphasized the importance of following established party procedures.

“We appreciate the enthusiasm and participation of our youths. Emmanuel Kasambo is a committed party member, but the adoption process will follow party guidelines. The official roadmap will be communicated soon,” Mulenga stated.

Opposition political parties are yet to unveil their candidates, though observers anticipate a tightly contested race once nominations open.

For now, however, the political momentum in Mpongwe West appears to favour Kasambo, as chants of *“Kasambo Kapakati!”* echoed through Mpongwe town centre signaling a youth-driven push to shape the constituency’s political future.