Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Elias Mubanga has announced his interest in contesting the 2026 parliamentary elections for the Shiwang’andu Constituency under the UPND.
Currently serving as a nominated Member of Parliament, Mr. Mubanga stated his readiness to represent his home area, emphasizing a deep-rooted desire to drive its development.
The minister, who made history as the first-ever holder of his portfolio in September 2021, expressed confidence in securing the constituency’s vote. He cited his longstanding presence on the ground, including a 2016 electoral attempt and personal development initiatives such as funding the construction of a clinic at Mukwikile Chiefdom in 2015.
Mr. Mubanga highlighted his focus on economic empowerment through farming and entrepreneurship, cautioning against a dependency on handouts. He noted that he has provided capacity-building, resources, and farming equipment to encourage sustainable livelihoods.
Praising the UPND administration, he pointed to policies like free education and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as transformative. He also stressed the need to equitably distribute national resources, including through constituency delimitation.
If elected, Mr. Mubanga aims to be remembered as an honest MP who provided investment ideas, not just funds. He reiterated his commitment to teaching people “how to fish” rather than simply giving them fish.
He added that should he not win, he would continue supporting development in Shiwang’andu by collaborating with the elected MP, while also focusing on his entrepreneurial ventures and party activities.
