Mpongwe residents jump as Hichilema tells them “love you guys”

LIKE a soldier father coming from a peacekeeping mission, President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday stunned Mpongwe residents with the rare but sweet “love you guys” phrase that sent the Mpongwe team receiving him leaping in joy and excitement.

And like a child longing for their father’s affection after a long time of him being away, the residents could not resist to show their joy that came with the President’s affectionate phrase.

One resident had to personalise the “love you” phrase by shouting “I love you too,” with the crowd now responding in unison, “we love you too Mr President.”

It all unfolded like a family reunion, where joy was too big for words and people couldn’t contain their delight.

The writer could not resist to capture that moment in her notebook as she was scampering to capture every moment in the dusty grounds of Mpongwe full of red soil.

Upon arrival, the President took time to greet the crowd that was waiting for him.

Residents were jumping up and down, stretching their necks here and there, just to have a glimpse of the country’s first man, more so, over joying when he had to stop and talk to one or two of them personally, by a shake of hands while others received the affectionate wave and flying kisses due to time.

Apart from the “we love you too” phrase from the crowd, the residents also shouted “umufyashi wamano,” as the President in return, threw in his flying kisses.

Journalists, police and protocol officers had to sprint in the dusty streets of Mpongwe as they strived to keep up with the President, leaving their shoes and clothes with a touch of unsolicited brown colour.

President Hichilema was in Mpongwe to commission the Winter Maize Harvest and the Wheat Milling Plant, both aimed at contributing to the national food basket.

Addressing the Lamba Lima Royal Establishment before the commissioning, the Head of State assured the residents that government will look into their plight before 2026.

“Your government will make sure that all the problems that you have presented to us are solved by 2026. We are looking into the matter and in three years time, things will be different,” said Hichilema.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, October 11, 2024