IRIS KAINGU PLEDGES TO COLLABORATE WITH UPND GOVERNMENT DESPITE INDEPENDENT STATUS
NEWLY ELECTED MWANDI MP SAYS SHE WILL WORK WITH PRESIDENT HICHILEMA
Newly elected Mwandi Member of Parliament, Iris Kaingu, says she is prepared to partner with President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration even though she will serve in Parliament as an independent.
Kaingu noted that being independent will not prevent her from cooperating with the government, adding that the President leads the executive arm while her role lies in the legislature
Speaking on Phoenix FM, she said President Hichilema represents all Zambians and deserves the dignity accorded to the office.
“President Hakainde Hichilema is President for all Zambians, and he deserves the respect that his office requires,” she said.
Kaingu added that disagreements are normal in politics, but they should not stand in the way of working together for national development.
“Our job is to make laws, and his job is to provide leadership. He heads the executive and I am part of the legislature. That means we have to work together,” she said.
“I believe that will form a strong partnership, and I look forward to working with the current government.”
Kaingu becomes the second MP from her family to represent Mwandi, following in the footsteps of her father, Michael Kaingu, who served two terms and also held ministerial positions, including Education Minister under the MMD.
After contesting unsuccessfully on the Patriotic Front ticket in 2021, she won the seat this time as an independent candidate.
Kaingu said her top priorities upon assuming office will be tackling key issues raised during campaigns — mainly access to clean water, road networks, communication, education and health services.
She said she prioritized listening to constituents instead of just presenting her manifesto, and that water and roads came out as the biggest concerns.
“In every part of my constituency, people said they need clean and safe water for themselves and their livestock,” she said.
Kaingu also noted that about 70 percent of Mwandi lacks mobile network coverage, making communication a major challenge.
She further highlighted the need for better school infrastructure and improved healthcare facilities.
While acknowledging government efforts to deploy more teachers to rural areas, she said the buildings and facilities remain insufficient.
“The infrastructure is lacking, and we need better healthcare for our people,” she said.
The MP-elect also said she will look at ways to boost Mwandi’s agriculture sector and better utilize its forest resources, including timber and hardwood.
Kaingu stated that the first 100 days in office will be important for laying out a clear plan, with projects to be rolled out in phases.
She also addressed perceptions about her public image, saying her focus is now on serving the 40,000 residents of Mwandi who elected her.
“I stand here representing the 40,000 people of Mwandi District who have put their trust in me. They are the ones I have been chosen to serve,” Kaingu said.
-Trending StoriesTV | August 18, 2026