AS the country gears up for the 2026 general election, a fresh face from Choma has thrown his hat into the political ring and he’s just 21.
Lushomo Hamahuwa, a law student at Cavendish University says he is tired of being told he is too young to lead when he is considered old enough to vote.
“I cannot be young and mature enough to vote-in a leader, and yet be taken as immature to run for that very position,” he told Kalemba in an interview.
In a country where older leaders doze off during important national addresses while wearing the Siziba attire and become social media chief content creators, Lushomo, just like his name has the faith to bring change to such commitments.
Born and bred in Choma surrounded by sour milk and cow dung, Lushomo was born to Albert Hamahuwa and Rachel Munalula as the eldest in a family of two.
His love for politics was sparked at just 12 years old when he listened to a Barack Obama speech which was done in Chicago in 2007, a moment he says changed his life.
He went on to serve as Children’s News Agency Bureau President for Choma District, before training as a citizen journalist with the Alliance for Community Action.
Those roles he says gave him the platform to quiz leaders and push for accountability experiences that revealed how much still needs to be done for ordinary people.
Now at Cavendish University studying law, Lushomo believes his generation is ready to lead.
If elected mayor, he wants to improve Choma’s long-neglected drainage and sanitation systems, build recreational centres for young people, support agriculture ventures and, crucially, bring transparency to the Constituency Development Fund.
He also plans to create a council of youth and community representatives to help shape policy.
“Leadership should be collaborative. One ant cannot raise an anthill alone,” he says.
Unlike many who join political parties for backing, Lushomo has chosen to stand as an independent candidate.
He argues that this frees him from what he calls “party interference” and allows him to serve people directly.
“Many bright minds enter politics, but their ideas vanish once parties take over. I want to stay answerable to the people, not a political hierarchy,” he stated.
His candidacy has already drawn mixed reactions in Choma. Some voters see him as far too young, while others admire his courage to challenge the status quo.
He takes inspiration from youthful Zambian politicians like Christopher Kang’ombe and Binwell Mpundu, as well as liberation icons such as our country’s first President Kenneth Kaunda and Patrice Lumumba.
“Young people across Africa are proving themselves every day. It won’t kill to give us a try. I believe young people like me have a heart for the people because we are not interested in financial gains but serving the people,” he explained.
“I feel we as young people connect better with our communities. We are able to relate with the elderly and the younger generation better than the old folks.”
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 3, 2025
