President Hakainde Hichilema has reappointed Mutale Nalumango as vice president of the United Party for National Development following the party’s General Assembly held last week, confirming continuity in the ruling party’s top leadership ahead of the August 2026 general elections.
The reappointment is contained in a formal letter dated April 21, 2026, signed by President Hichilema, in which he invoked powers under the party constitution to confirm Nalumango in the position.
“Please be advised that by virtue of powers conferred on me by Article 56(4) of the UPND party constitution, you are hereby appointed to the position of Vice President of the party,” the letter reads in part.
President Hichilema expressed confidence in Nalumango’s continued role within the party and government, stating that she would serve the interests of both the organisation and the country with diligence and prudence.
“On behalf of the party, I wish to congratulate you for this well-deserved appointment,” he said.
The decision follows internal party processes conducted during the General Assembly and maintains the existing leadership structure at the apex of the UPND. By retaining Nalumango, Hichilema has settled any internal uncertainty over the party’s vice-presidential position at a time when political activity is intensifying across the country.
Nalumango’s reappointment as party vice president also carries electoral significance, as it places her within the UPND’s leadership framework heading into the August polls. The confirmation signals that the ruling party is maintaining its existing ticket structure as it prepares for nominations and campaign mobilisation.
The ruling party has already opened applications for parliamentary, mayoral, council chairperson and councillor positions, marking the beginning of an active selection phase across constituencies. Party officials have indicated that the process will include verification of eligibility requirements, including academic qualifications, party membership and compliance with constitutional provisions governing candidates.
Maintaining continuity at the top allows the party to shift attention to organisational matters, including candidate adoption and campaign preparation at grassroots level. Several constituencies are expected to see competitive internal races as aspiring candidates seek adoption under the UPND banner, a process that will shape the party’s campaign machinery across the country.
Nalumango has remained an active figure within both the party and the administration, participating in governance functions and representing the executive in official engagements. Her continued presence in the leadership structure preserves an established working arrangement within the executive while providing consistency as the party moves into the election period.
The confirmation also comes at a time when other political parties are finalising their own leadership structures. The Socialist Party has already announced its running mate, while other opposition formations continue to weigh alliance options and candidate selection strategies ahead of nominations.
The pace of announcements across the political landscape reflects a shift from internal positioning to campaign readiness, with leadership clarity emerging as a key step in election preparation. For UPND, the reappointment removes any ambiguity around its top leadership and allows the party to proceed with a defined structure.
Attention within the ruling party is now expected to focus on consolidating its candidate base and strengthening campaign operations in key constituencies. The outcome of internal adoption processes will determine how effectively the party translates its leadership continuity into electoral mobilisation.
The reappointment of Nalumango under Article 56(4) of the party constitution provides a formal legal and organisational basis for the decision, reinforcing the authority under which the leadership structure has been maintained.
As the election calendar advances, the ruling party’s leadership configuration is now settled, providing a stable platform from which it will contest the August polls.
Yes Soir No Sir
Poverty and Squalor continues. Changes nothing. If both are removed in the elections, Zambia can atleast have an economic breather. Last prices recorded in 2021,mealie meal K120, fuel K17, Fertiliser K600, i dont care what the prices were under MMD, I am giving you a factual account of what prices were under PF, a signal of a better economy even with the debt
People are waking up change is looking more promising
All becuse upnd dont want change within their party
thinking more of their pockets than Zambia
He needs a puppet
Initiative that supporters describe as doing the right thing. @KZ, you’re finished, just keep on beating yourself inside.
IGNORE IGNORE IGNORE
Stop using the ecl name you chi hatonga hagande. As for tikki you are just a confused little blogger. Fuseke you dogs
In UPND is the vice president appointed? Not elected?
What ever the case, it is the worst combination in the history of this country. Things are expensive and there is no money in circulation.
I’m told there’s plenty of dollars in circulation?
“a dormouse” said she they heard “a door mat” thus began the fable of the tooth fairy….
Weird arrangement, how is it that the national party executive committee positions are by appointment and not elective? Doesn’t such an arrangement promote intra-party dictatorship and control the head of the party? If the party in government does not encourage democracy and competition within it structures, doesn’t the country risk control and denial of democratic rights to citizens?
Nalumango! That’s Gary Nkombo’s post!
That’s a great development to hear from UPND unlike the self destruction we’ve been bombarded with from the infighting opposition .