Hichilema thanks Lusaka for massive turnout
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has thanked the thousands of Lusaka residents who turned up at Heroes Stadium as he launched his re-election bid yesterday.
The Head of State kicked off his campaign rallies ahead of the August 13 polls with massive engagement attended by thousands of chanting supporters.
The rally was also graced by the creme de la creme of Zambian music stars who feel President Hichilema must be given another term to keep the country on a development trajectory.
In his address, President Hichilema acknowledged that the cost of living remains a major concern for many Zambians and assured them that his administration will continue implementing measures aimed at easing the burden on households and growing the economy.
"We know the cost of living is still an issue. We are listening. We will continue working to lower the cost of living. We know that prices will stabilise. Some are saying you can't eat inflation, that's lack of knowledge. We will continue to grow the economy," said President Hichilema.
The President also thanked the thousands of Lusaka residents who turned up for his Campaign Launch, saying their support reminded him of the trust they placed in him during the 2021 general election.
He said he remained humbled by the confidence Zambians had shown in him and that he wakes up every day determined to work hard in service of the people.
"Ba Lusaka, mwanichosa nsoni, thank you for turning up and thank you for your trust which you gave us in 2021. You placed your trust in this fellow from Bweengwa. Every day I pinch myself to work hard in order to serve you, the people of Zambia. We love you so much," he said.
The Head of State acknowledged that despite the progress made over the past five years, many Zambians were still facing economic hardships.
"We have worked hard and done many things but there's still a lot to be done. Life is still challenging for a lot of people who still need support beyond what we are delivering today. We feel the challenges you feel. We will not rest until we continue to improve the lives of our people," he said.
Highlighting his administration's achievements, the President pointed to the free education, which he said had enabled over 2.5 million children to attend school.
He added that his government had employed more than 45,000 teachers and expanded the school feeding programme to ensure learners could study without hunger.
"We promised you free education and today it's here with 2.5 million learners in school because of free education. Every household has a child going to school free of charge and we realised that children cannot learn on an empty stomach, so we introduced the school feeding programme," he explained.
The Head of State also cited employment in the defence and security wings, the revival of mining operations and the restructuring of Zambia's debt as key milestones achieved during his tenure.
"In 2021, we found huge debt but we managed to restructure it. We have restored mines that had closed and people are now back at work. We have also recruited into the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, Zambia National Service, the Police Service and the Correctional Service," stated President Hichilema.
President Hichilema further said his administration had ended political violence in markets and bus stations.
He also criticised opposition leaders over misleading statements on national issues, including load shedding and student meal allowances.
"Those lying to you that load shedding reduced because of elections do not have sense. Load shedding started reducing in December last year because of the reforms we made in the energy sector," he said.
The President also announced that constitutional reforms would see more young people, women and persons with disabilities represented in Parliament through a mixed-member system.
He also urged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and vote in the August 13 general election, saying his administration remained committed to improving the lives of all Zambians.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, June 29, 2026