A YOUNG graduate has positioned herself to challenge David Mabumba’s 15 years uninterrupted record as Mwense Central Constituency member of parliament.
Susan Mulala is a 26-year-old social worker and fresh University of Zambia graduand who believes it is time for young people to rise and take responsibility for the future of their communities.
Post August 13, 2026, she might probably be among the list of Zambia’s youngest Members of Parliament.
For 15 years, Mwense Central Constituency has known only one MP by the name of David Mabumba, a seasoned politician and one of Luapula Province’s familiar parliamentary faces.
“I am connected to Mwense. I am a child of Mwense. Most of my family members are here and now that I have completed school, I have come back to serve my people,” Susan told #Kalemba.
Born in Loto Village of Mwense District, Susan spent some time in Lusaka where she pursued her education from primary school all the way to university level.
She attended Crown of Life Trust School in Ng’ombe before writing her Grade Seven exams at Ng’ombe Primary School, junior secondary at Ng’ombe Basic School and senior secondary at Chelstone Secondary School.
After passing her exams, she enrolled at the University of Zambia where she studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and is expected to graduate this year with a credit.
During her stay at UNZA, Susan served as vice president for the Social Workers Association in 2025 and also worked as a peer educator through UNZA Clinic in conjunction with UNZA Response for three years.
Despite spending her time in Lusaka, her attachment to Mwense remained strong.
Susan said what pushed her into politics was seeing the daily struggles of residents in health, education, roads, farming and youth empowerment.
“I know what our people are going through. We need quality healthcare, better schools, improved roads and empowerment for women and youths,” she said.
Her plan for Mwense is to improve schools where some classrooms even carry more than 100 pupils at once.
“I will make sure we build more classrooms, provide desks and improve the learning environment because children cannot learn properly in an overcrowded classroom,” she said.
On health, Susan wants clinics equipped with medicine, water, beds and maternity facilities.
On agriculture, Susan wants farmers to receive inputs on time and in sufficient quantities while also introducing fish farming through fishponds.
“We have land and water in Mwense. We can create jobs and food security through aquaculture and farming if we plan properly,” she explained.
She also wants to tackle early marriages, child abuse and teenage pregnancies while promoting education for both girls and boys.
“No child should be forced into marriage at 15 or 16 when they should be in school building their future,” Susan stated.
As of now, Susan is seeking adoption on the ruling UPND ticket as Mwense Central candidate in the August 13 general election.
By George Musonda
Kalemba April 20, 2026
