Hamahuwa, a student at Cavendish University, first came into the public eye last year after defending his eligibility to run despite his age. He emphasized that young people deserve the chance to lead and participate in shaping national development.
“I cannot be young and mature enough to vote in a leader, and yet be taken as immature to run for that very position,” Hamahuwa previously told reporters.
Born and raised in Choma, Hamahuwa’s interest in leadership was inspired at the age of 12 after hearing a speech by former U.S. President Barack Obama. Prior to studying law, he served as the Children’s News Agency Bureau president for Choma District and trained as a citizen journalist with the Alliance for Community Action, experiences he says exposed him to governance challenges affecting ordinary citizens.
If elected, Hamahuwa plans to prioritize improving drainage and sanitation systems, promoting agricultural ventures, creating recreational facilities for youth, and ensuring transparency in the utilization of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“Leadership should be collaborative. One ant cannot raise an anthill alone,” he said.
Hamahuwa will face off with Honest Mweemba of the United Party for National Development (UPND), who filed his nomination earlier in the day.
The young candidate has drawn both criticism and praise, with some questioning his age while others applaud his courage and vision to challenge more experienced politicians.
