HH takes oath, calls for unity

…as he preaches an end to political acrimony, divisions, warns against humiliating citizens because of their political choice, says those who challenged him to the presidency should not be considered as enemies but political opponents By MUBITA KATETE PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema yesterday took oath for his second term following his re-election in the August 13 general elections with a strong call for unity, peace and an end to political divisions. He said those who challenged him were not enemies but opponents who were seeking to take up the leadership of the country. President Hichilema, who arrived at the Heroes Stadium for his inauguration in pomp and splendour has urged Zambians to put aside political differences that had emerged during the campaign period and begin to work together towards the development of the country. Speaking yesterday during his inauguration at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, President Hichilema said Zambia had entered a new chapter that required citizens to recognise that political choices should not divide them but unite because that was what democracy stood for. “As we begin this new chapter, we must reflect on the importance of national unity. The person who didn’t vote for us is not our enemy. He is your brother. She is your sister,” President Hichilema said. He said citizens who supported other candidates and political parties should not be treated as enemies, stressing that democracy allowed people to hold different political views. Mr Hichilema warned against humiliating citizens because of their political choices, saying all Zambians remained one people regardless of who they supported during the August 13, 2026 general election. Mr Hichilema said his administration would respect the choices of all citizens and focus on building a united Zambia during his second term. “There should be no humiliation of the person who voted against us. They are our brothers, they are our sisters. We are one people,” he said. President Hichilema was sworn in for a second term after winning the August 13 election with more than 2.9 million votes, ahead of runner-up Brian Mundubile, who polled more than 1.8 million votes. Vice President Mutale Nalumango was also sworn in during the ceremony. The inauguration was attended by several African heads of State, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Botswana President Duma Boko, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Thousands of Zambians filled the 60, 000-seat stadium for the ceremony, with UPND supporters arriving as early as 04:30 hours. Diplomats, traditional leaders, clergy and senior Government officials were also in attendance. President Hichilema said while his administration had focused on economic stabilisation and restoring the rule of law during its first five years, the second term would focus on turning that stability into economic growth and improved household welfare. He admitted that many families continued to face challenges, particularly the cost of living, saying Government had heard their concerns. “We are moving from stabilisation to growth. Stability must begin to flow to our households,” President Hichilema said. He said the next five years would be anchored on the Grow Zambian agenda, with Government focusing on expanding and diversifying mining, agriculture, tourism and energy. The President also pledged to deepen economic empowerment programmes for women and young people and strengthen social protection for vulnerable citizens. He said education remained a key tool for national development, describing it as “the greatest equaliser.” President Hichilema urged Zambians to change their mindset and focus on long-term development rather than immediate consumption and dependency on handouts. He said Government had identified areas that had constrained the countrty’s development and would move rapidly to address them under its flagship 10, 10, 5, 3, 3, 1, 1, 1 vision. President Hichilema also thanked God and the Zambians for entrusting him with another five-year mandate, as well as his wife, children, wider family, party supporters and campaign foot soldiers. Ends.

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