President Hichilema Pushes National Unity During Pemba and Gwembe Visits

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged citizens to reject divisive politics and rally behind a unified, forward‑looking Zambia.
Speaking during community engagements in Pemba and Gwembe Districts today, the Head of State dismissed accusations of regionalism, stressing that the country’s 116 districts must be united. He noted that Zambia’s unity has long been reinforced through intermarriages.
“Tribe is not an issue,” President Hichilema declared. “Unity and oneness will help us deliver development.”
He also recalled past political violence, rejecting claims that he only speaks for victims from Southern Province. He reminded citizens that under the previous regime, people across all provinces were brutalised simply for wearing the United Party for National Development’s red t‑shirts, an injustice he has condemned and spoken about in all the provinces he has visited.

Highlighting policy achievements, the President pointed to the free education law, which has enabled 2.5 million children to return to school, giving himself as an example of the importance of free education. “I am an example of free education. Without it, I would have been in the village,” he said.
In Pemba, President Hichilema announced that road maintenance equipment will soon be deployed to tackle the long‑awaited Pemba–Mapanza and Pemba–Moyo roads. He added that plans are underway to construct a police station in Muzooka area, roll out rural electrification, and equip local schools with internet access.
In Gwembe, President Hichilema said the Chisekesi road will be prioritised in the next phase of maintenance works, while works continue on the Gwembe–Sinazongwe road and the historically significant Bottom Road to open up the valley. He also pledged to construct more dams to harness rainwater which flows from the plateau and floods the valley.