By Given Mutinta
MUNDUBILE STOPS FOR PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S CONVOY TO PASS
In April 2017, a significant moment unfolded in Zambia’s political arena when Hakainde Hichilema, then the opposition leader, was arrested following an incident involving his motorcade and that of the sitting President Edgar Lungu.
The motorcade of Hichilema failed to yield way to President Lungu’s convoy, an act deemed reckless given the security protocols meant to protect the head of state.
Nine years later, and Hichilema himself is now Zambia’s president.
On June 10, 2026, after attending the funeral of King Mpezeni, President Hichilema’s convoy encountered the convoy of Brian Mundubile, Zambia’s current opposition leader, accompanied by his running mate, Makebi Zulu.
This time, the roles were reversed: the opposition convoy graciously stopped to give way to the presidential convoy.
This scene, seemingly simple, offers a rich symbol of respect for the office of the presidency and the protocols that sustain the dignity of national leadership.
The contrast between the 2017 incident and the 2026 encounter tells a clear story.
While Hichilema, as opposition, once failed to adhere to these norms, Mundubile demonstrates an enlightened understanding of the significance of respect for the presidency.
This adherence to protocol signals maturity and a commitment of Mundubile to institutional respect rather than personal or partisan interests.
Mundubile’s conduct shows that leadership is as much about respect and decorum as it is about policy and governance.