PROPAGANDA POLITICS WILL NOT REMOVE PRESIDENT HICHILEMA
By Chilufya Kasonde
The recent circulation of manipulated and degrading images targeting President Hakainde Hichilema by individuals associated with opposition political activism reflects a disturbing decline in the quality of Zambia’s political discourse. Democracy is built on ideas, policies, accountability, and constructive criticism, not on humiliation campaigns, character attacks, or the spread of inflammatory propaganda designed to undermine national institutions for political expediency.
Among those repeatedly associated with such conduct is Charles Kakula, a known supporter of Brian Mundubile, who is administrator for Hadodi Hachisanga the return and Zambia for All 2026 Facebook pages. However, it must be made clear that publishing damaging images and provocative material against President Hichilema will not change the democratic reality that he remains the duly elected Republican President of Zambia. Nor will these tactics automatically convince Zambians to reject him in favour of Brian Mundubile or any other political figure.
Zambians today are increasingly focused on substantive national issues such as economic recovery, job creation, agriculture, infrastructure development, education, energy, and national unity. The electorate is becoming more politically conscious and less attracted to propaganda rooted in insults and online mockery. Attempts to demean the Office of the President through edited images and sensational social media campaigns are unlikely to produce the political outcomes their sponsors anticipate.
President Hichilema continues to command considerable support across Zambia because many citizens associate his leadership with democratic reforms, economic stabilization efforts, and a vision for national development. Whether one supports or opposes his administration, it is undeniable that he remains widely popular among a significant majority of voters. That support cannot simply be erased through viral memes, ridicule, or coordinated online attacks.
Those engaging in such activities should also recognise the potential legal implications of their conduct. Operating from the diaspora does not necessarily place anyone beyond the reach of accountability. Individuals who believe they can continuously publish provocative and degrading content against national leaders without consequence may eventually face scrutiny under laws relating to cyber offences, public order, or activities considered harmful to national unity and security.
Charles Kakula and others pursuing this path should take caution. Political activism must remain within the confines of legality, responsibility, and public decency. Zambia has worked hard to preserve peace, stability, and democratic order, and any conduct that threatens those foundations should not be tolerated regardless of political affiliation.
Equally concerning are reports of political sponsors encouraging or financing these activities. Those behind such campaigns also risk reputational damage and possible legal consequences if they are found to be supporting conduct deemed dangerous, divisive, or unlawful. Political competition should never descend into coordinated character assassination or campaigns intended to inflame hatred and division among citizens.
History has repeatedly shown that sponsors of aggressive propaganda campaigns often abandon those carrying out the attacks once it becomes evident that the strategy is failing to produce meaningful political change. Individuals being used as public attack figures may eventually find themselves isolated when their activities cease to serve the interests of those funding or encouraging them.
If opposition figures genuinely believe that Zambians desire political change, then the correct path is to present credible policies, practical solutions, and a compelling national vision. Leadership is earned through integrity, persuasion, competence, and public trust, not through humiliation campaigns or inflammatory social media content.
Zambia’s democracy will only grow stronger when political actors compete on ideas rather than insults, on development rather than division, and on national progress rather than propaganda. President Hichilema occupies office because he was elected by the people of Zambia, and any future transition of power will equally be determined by the people through democratic elections, not through online ridicule campaigns designed to attack his image and personality.
Ilelanga News. May 13, 2026.