PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has reassured the country that governments priority going forward is to actively work towards lowering the cost of living.
The Head of State said this when addressing a sea of supporters clad in party colours and Choma residents who gathered to welcome him in Southern Province, noting that the price of mealie-meal has already begun dropping slowly.
“We understand that we need to work on lowering the coast of living as you can see slowly the price of mealie meal is coming down that is how it works,” The Head of State highlighted.
Projecting a bumper harvest, this farming season, President Hichilema commended local farmers for their resilience and hard work in achieving food security.
“This season we are going to produce 5 million metric tonnes of maize. I would like to appreciate all the farmers. Thank you very much,” President Hichilema said.
Meanwhile, the Head of State told electorates that they voted for him to drive national development but he does not work alone and requires supportive members of parliament (MPs) to pass laws in the National Assembly.
President Hichilema explained that the President cannot enter Parliament to vote for legislation, as that constitutional mandate rests solely with elected lawmakers.
He urged the electorates to vote for UPND councillors, council chairpersons, mayors, and parliamentarians to ensure smooth and efficient governance.
“The reason why this country is moving forward is because you selected a government through the President, but the President does not work alone. The President cannot go into Parliament to vote for laws, it is the MPs,” President Hichilema said.
He noted that the forthcoming General election is critical to protecting the progressive milestones achieved by Government, such as the mixed member proportion representation, and free education which has guaranteed that children go to school regardless of their financial backgrounds.
Furthermore President Hichilema apologised to to supporters over the chaos that ensued during adoptions of party candidates where adoption certificates were issued to more than one candidate.
“I apologise for the messy adoption [processes],” the Head of State said.
He called for total unity and urged all members to rally behind the successfully adopted candidates and the presidency to sustain national development.
President Hichilema also reiterated his commitment to public service, highlighting that he has worked as the Head of State without receiving a monthly salary for the past four years and ten months.
“I am the first President of Zambia of the seven, who doesn’t receive a salary. 4 years ten months I have been working without a salary.I don’t get a salary, I’m here to work for the people of Zambia, I am a missionary,” he shared.
Kalemba June 17, 2026
