KEEPING THEM HONEST: President Hichilema Eats His Own Words; He Owes Mundubile & Makebi An Apology
On May 17, 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema issued a clarion call to his political opponents, urging them to conduct a clean, issue-based campaign devoid of “name-calling” and “character assassination.”
In a statement released by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayton Hamasaka, President Hichilema said:
“Let us win through ideas, not violence; through unity, not intimidation; and through peace, not provocation.”
The President also urged his members to remain peaceful, disciplined, and law-abiding, emphasizing that they should not respond to provocation with violence or retaliation.
However, on June 28, 2026, President Hichilema at the launch of his campaign did not only twerk but also launched a blistering attack on his political opponents, particularly the Tonse Alliance presidential candidate, Brian Mundubile, and his running mate, Makebi Zulu.
He referred to them as “boys” and labeled them “thieves” who were allegedly after the country’s national reserves.
One cannot preach civility in one breath and, in the next, become the very person stoking the flames of division.
Referring to responsible adults with families as “boys” is not only demeaning but also insulting.
Making allegations that Mundubile and Makebi, in their capacities as former ministers for Northern and Eastern provinces, “chewed” or “stole” public resources—without any proven finding of wrongdoing—is a serious accusation.
If President Hichilema’s claims had been substantiated through the appropriate legal process, one would reasonably expect that action would have been taken under the law.
After all, the President’s administration has sent to jail political figures such as Ronald Chitotela, Nixon Chilangwa, Raphael Nakachinda and others on flimsy and in some cases questionable grounds.
Against that backdrop, it is reasonable to ask why similar legal action was not taken against Mundubile and Makebi if the allegations against them were supported by sufficient evidence. But the President knows this is false.
It is important for the Head of State to lead by example by promoting truthful, issue-based political discourse rather than contributing to narratives that deepen political divisions.
If President Hichilema’s call for an issue-based campaign is to carry credibility, then he should demonstrate that commitment consistently. That includes treating political opponents with respect and avoiding language that is insulting or defamatory.
Leadership demands consistency. The standards a President expects of others should be the same standards he applies to himself.
We are keenly following to see whether he leads by the example he has called upon others to follow and therefore should apologize for the unfair comments.