Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema rallies in Mufumbwe and faces internal dissent ahead of elections

President Hakainde Hichilema addressed a crowd in Mufumbwe, urging voters to support the United Party for National Development (UPND) in the upcoming general election. He pledged to create jobs, expand business opportunities, improve mining safety, and deliver agricultural support. Specific projects announced included a new honey‑processing plant for Mwinilunga and Ikeleng’i districts, the tarring of the 105‑km Mwinilunga‑Jimbe road, construction of a modern border post at Jimbe, and a future rail link, all part of the Lobito Economic Development Corridor. The European Union has pledged $130 million for the road upgrade, with additional backing from the African Development Bank.

Separately, political commentator Brian Hapunda claimed that officials appointed by Hichilema have gone silent, interpreting their silence as a sign of anticipated defeat in the election. Hapunda warned that a loss for Hichilema could spell the end of the UPND, suggesting the party’s fortunes are closely tied to the president’s personal popularity.