HH WRAPS UP EASTERN CAMPAIGN, URGES FARMERS TO BACK RE-ELECTION

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema yesterday concluded his two-day campaign tour of Eastern Province after addressing large crowds in nine districts, where he urged voters to support his re-election bid in the August 13 general election.

The President said the response he received during his campaign in Eastern Province, as well as in four other provinces, reflected growing support for the UPND.

He expressed confidence that voters would grant his administration another five-year mandate.

On the final day of the tour, President Hichilema addressed rallies in Nyimba, Petauke, Lusangazi and Sinda districts, where he appealed to farmers to vote for him, describing himself as a fellow farmer who understands the challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Speaking to a large gathering in Petauke, the President cautioned farmers against politicians promising to buy freshly harvested maize, saying such proposals were impractical and posed health risks.

“Don’t follow those who are saying they will buy fresh maize; they are not farmers. They don’t know farming. You and I know farming,” President Hichilema said.

He explained that purchasing maize with high moisture content and attempting to dry it later could result in aflatoxin contamination, making the grain unsafe for both human and animal consumption.

“We cannot do that; we are intelligent people. We love our people too much,” he said.

The President attributed the delayed purchase of maize by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to the need for moisture levels to fall to acceptable standards and announced that he had directed the agency to immediately announce this season’s maize buying price.

He also pledged to complete the construction of the Lutwazi and Mumbi dams in Petauke if re-elected, saying the projects would strengthen irrigation and boost agricultural productivity.

President Hichilema further urged voters to reject opposition politicians, accusing previous administrations of presiding over violence and undermining peace.