UPND MPs WHO SHOULD REPRESENT NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCE IN HH’S CABINET — PART 1
1. HON. AMBROSE LUFUMA
In North-Western Province, he is known as KWAZE, a walking dictionary of loyalty. You cannot talk about the UPND in the province without mentioning his name. He is an asset to the province and a role model from whom many young politicians continue to learn.
His loyalty to President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND is unmatched. He has connected many party members in the province to opportunities, and many turn to him when they feel aggrieved. He is regarded as a unifying figure in the province, and even those who dislike him may struggle to point to concrete reasons for doing so.
Even when he served as Minister of Defence, he carried out his duties with humility, loyalty and maturity.
Hon. Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma therefore deserves consideration for reappointment to Cabinet should an opportunity arise.
The former Minister of Defence and Kabompo East constituency member of parliament also brings a combination of academic qualifications, economic expertise and years of parliamentary and ministerial experience.
A trained economist, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Arts in Community and Regional Planning. He has also received training in agriculture, resource development and development project management. He has represented Kabompo East in Parliament since 2011 and stands out as a well respected political figure in the province whose influence cannot be questioned.
2. HON. ALEX KATAKWE
Despite being the shortest serving minister of health in the previous cabinet and having come up intense public scrutiny, we still believe he deserves another ministerial appointment.
The Mushindamo MP brings specialised academic training in health and education, alongside parliamentary experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science with Education and a Master of Arts in Medical Parasitology.
His professional background provides a foundation for engaging with public health, disease prevention, scientific research and education policy. He has also served on parliamentary committees covering health, community development, youth, sport and education, exposing him to a range of social development issues.
The former minister of health’s research-oriented background and experience examining public policy could be valuable in a ministerial role that requires evidence-based decisions and a focus on service delivery.
We strongly believe that he deserves to be reappointed.
3. HON. VICTOR LUMAYI
Chavuma MP, Victor Lumayi rose through the ranks, from ward to constituency, constituency to district, and district to provincial leadership.
When he was appointed Provincial Youth Chairman, he mobilised the party across the province with sacrifice and dedication. Almost every young party member in the province knows him. He worked to groom young leaders to take up youth leadership roles before eventually moving to the National Management Committee (NMC).
When he was left out of the adoption process in 2011, he did not abandon the party. He would often say, “Me and HH, it’s SIM and phone,” emphasising his close political association with President Hakainde Hichilema.
Lumayi is one of those politicians who are often misunderstood. When some people thought he was not popular, he pulled a surprise. He understands grassroots politics and the importance of mobilisation and maintaining relationships with party members.
During the debates surrounding Bill 10, he stood with President Hichilema and the Zambian people.
With his political experience, grassroots connections and leadership background, Hon. Victor Lumayi deserves consideration for a Cabinet appointment should an opportunity arise.
Lumayi’s experience in engaging communities and working with grassroots structures could be useful in a ministerial role requiring public consultation, coordination and responsiveness to local needs.
NOTE: We shall publish part two tomorrow.
Northwestern Newspaper 2026