We are Not Threatened by Opposition Rallies
“Mwachepa sana, we’ve not started campaign rallies yet – Hichilema
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says he has not yet started holding campaign rallies ahead of the August 13 general elections and has warned political opponents against rushing to declare victory before the campaign season gathers momentum.
The Head of State said what is currently happening in different parts of the country should not be mistaken for full campaign rallies, saying that his party is still in the early stages of preparing its mobilisation strategy
“I have not started having campaign rallies yet. Wait. I’m putting the seeds in order. Watch my steps,” President Hichilema said in Kasama last evening.
The President made the remarks during a meeting with UPND adopted candidates and party officials from Northern Province.
President Hichilema said once he completes engagements with party structures, he will move into the next phase of campaign activities.
The Head of State also took issue with rival political players who have already started making early claims of victory, saying they were underestimating the seriousness of the electoral contest.
“I’m watching and I’m saying mwacepa sana (you are not my equal). I heard some people, after having a rally in Kitwe, saying ‘we have already won.’ Mwacepa sana baice bandi (you are not my equal, my young men),” President Hichilema said.
The President disclosed that his experience in multiple election cycles had taught him that elections are won through hard work and consistent engagement with the electorate.
“I have been through this process of elections for many years. We need to win and win big. We need to campaign and campaign hard. We need to work hard,” the President said.
President Hichilema said the August 13 election is a critical moment for Zambia as citizens will be deciding on the continuation of development programmes such as free education.
“This election presents a lifetime chance to the people of Zambia to secure, through a vote of continuity, the lives of millions of our children who are accessing free education in all public schools across the country,” he said.
He further urged party officials to remain united and focused, warning against internal divisions as campaigns intensify.
“Abena Northern, let us continue to work together for the good of the country,” said President Hichilema.
Kalemba June 16, 2026