Vote UPND to safeguard free education, jobs – President Hichilema urges Copperbelt voters

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on voters in Masaiti and Mpongwe districts to make the “right decision” in the August 13th general elections, warning that a return to the opposition would undo Zambia’s economic recovery and plunge the country back into debt.

Addressing thousands of people of Masaiti and Mpongwe, separately, today, the head of State urged the electorate not to “play with the vote.”

In Kafulafuta Constituency of Masaiti district, the President addressed a rally at Lubendo Primary School ground while the other one was at Mpongwe Combined School ground.

He said the choice is between progress and regression.

“The people who created those problems are known. They brought debt, and we resolved it. Going back will only create problems for yourselves,” he said.

President Hichilema highlighted the UPND’s achievements, including the free education law that has enabled 2.5 million children to return to school.

He said a vote for the UPND party’s hand symbol would protect these gains and allow government to create more jobs.

“If you are an unemployed teacher or nurse, you are next. Whether you are a technician or plumber, your time is now. Be the first in the queue so that you get a job,” he said.

On agriculture, the President announced an expansion of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) to include more small-scale farmers, promising adequate fertiliser distribution.

He pointed to ongoing road projects, efforts to resolve water shortages, and the construction of schools and market shelters as evidence of UPND’s delivery record.

President Hichilema also dismissed claims that he had endorsed some independent candidates, warning that such assertions were false and risked splitting the progressive vote.

“We only support UPND candidates from councillors to the presidency. I have not endorsed any independent candidate,” said President Hichilema.