How Hichilema became Bally!
BALLY is a name that has become inseparable from President Hakainde Hichilema.
But how exactly did President Hichilema become “Bally”?
The now famous nickname was conferred on him during a Twitter conversation on Saturday, April 11, 2020, between President Hichilema and a X user known as Chitimbwazito.
It was during the conversation that Chitimbwazito casually referred to President Hichilema as a “bally,” apparently without knowing that the name would eventually stick.
The conversation started when Chitimbwazito explained how the indefinite closure of learning institutions during the pandemic was affecting him.
“Sorry, you’re pretty cool, almost forgot that you are a bally. I meant the indefinite closure of learning institutions is affecting me because I no longer have an allowance and E-learning just isn’t working out,” wrote Chitimbwazito.
President Hichilema, apparently unfamiliar with the term, asked a question.
“I see. But what exactly is a bally?”
Another X user, Kalimina, replied to President Hichilema.
“An older person…sometimes can refer to one’s father as well,” Kalimina explained.
President Hichilema then embraced the description.
“Oh I see. I’m definitely a bally,” he replied.
And just like that, Bally was born. The name would go on to become one of President Hichilema’s most recognisable nicknames.
Kalemba, September 19, 2026