President Hichilema Officially declared President of the UPND

President Hakainde Hichilema has officially been declared the President of the United Party for National Development (UPND) at the 2026 Party General Assembly held at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka today. This declaration confirms Mr. Hichilema as the party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming election on 13th August.

President Hichilema emerged as the sole candidate for the party presidency following the close of nominations on 12th April, 2026.

Expressing his gratitude, President Hichilema said he was deeply humbled to be the sole nominee, describing the appointment as a serious responsibility and a call to duty to improve the lives of all Zambians.

 “I accept this honour on behalf of the people of Zambia; every Zambian who believes in a better Zambia, this is for you,” he stated.

The President noted that the upcoming election is an opportunity to consolidate the gains made during the UPND’s four years in government, stressing that the nation is at a turning point in its development journey. He thanked the Zambian people for the mandate given to the New Dawn Administration, adding that the foundation for development is now set, with the next phase focusing on deepening service delivery and creating opportunities for all.

“We want to focus on creating jobs, particularly in the private sector,” President Hichilema said. He called for the re-election of the UPND to protect the progress achieved so far.

“On 13th August, we want to win big. We must not forget our symbol, the hand. We don’t want anyone to take away what has been achieved.”

The President also highlighted that the government has reduced expenditure by K10 billion to cushion citizens against escalating fuel prices. “We are delivering because we care for the people of Zambia, and we promise to continue working hard,” he added.

The president also participated in the election of the party’s National Management Committee together with Vice-President Mutale Nalumango.

Isaac Mwanza, the election returning officer and chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, officially declared Mr. Hichilema the elected President of the UPND in accordance with the party’s rules governing uncontested elections.

Mr. Mwanza confirmed that following the dissolution of the National Management Committee, nominations were opened and concluded according to the party constitution.

  He certified that the process was conducted in accordance with all applicable procedures and noted that three petitions received by the commission were dismissed as frivolous and lacking merit.