UPND INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
CELEBRATING FREEDOM, RESILIENT LEADERSHIP AND THE GROW ZAMBIA AGENDA
As Zambia celebrates its 62nd Independence Day, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Team extends its heartfelt congratulations to President Hakainde Hichilema, recognising his leadership and commitment to building a nation anchored on economic transformation, opportunity, freedom and national unity.
Mr President, this Independence Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of freedom and the responsibility of leadership in translating the aspirations of our forefathers into tangible opportunities for present and future generations.
We thank you for your resilient and coordinated leadership in steering Zambia towards a future focused on job creation, human capital development and economic growth. The recruitment of more than 42,000 teachers and over 23,000 health workers represents a significant investment in our people, while the Government’s reported creation of more than 1.1 million jobs over five years speaks to the importance of expanding economic opportunities and livelihoods.
We particularly celebrate your commitment to education as a fundamental right for every Zambian child. The introduction of free education has helped remove financial barriers that previously kept some children out of school, giving families renewed hope and young people a greater opportunity to build their futures. This is an important contribution to the promise of independence; that every child, regardless of their background, deserves a chance to learn and succeed.
Mr President, we also recognise your emphasis on fundamental rights and freedoms, constitutional governance and the rule of law. Independence was not merely about ending colonial rule; it was also about securing the freedom to speak, assemble, associate and participate in the affairs of our country without fear. These freedoms remain essential to a functioning democracy and must be protected for every citizen.
Zambia’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council is an important milestone for our country and a moment of significance for Africa. We celebrate this achievement as an opportunity for Zambia to contribute to international dialogue on human dignity, equality and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
We further acknowledge the importance of freedom of expression in the digital age, where citizens can use the internet and media platforms to communicate their views, share ideas and participate in national discourse. The enactment of access-to-information legislation also represents an important step towards strengthening transparency and public access to information. We encourage the continued protection of these freedoms alongside respect for the privacy, dignity and rights of others.
A functional democracy must also ensure that those who threaten public peace or engage in unlawful conduct are held accountable through lawful and fair processes. Respect for freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility, due process and equal application of the law.
We commend your efforts to promote inclusiveness in governance through a balanced Cabinet and the appointment of presidential advisers who can contribute to national development. Leadership must bring together people from different backgrounds and regions, united by a common purpose of serving Zambia.
We also celebrate the approachable and distinctly personal side of your presidency. Your whistling moment during the commissioning of the $1.6 billion United Capital Fertilizer expansion project offered a glimpse of a leader comfortable expressing himself in a simple, familiar and relatable way. It was a reminder that the highest office in the land need not distance a leader from the ordinary experiences and cultural expressions of the people. The presidency can remain dignified while retaining a human connection with citizens.
As we celebrate our independence, we recognise that the work of nation-building is never complete. The next chapter calls for greater productivity, more jobs, stronger industries, improved public services and expanded opportunities for our young people. These are aspirations that require continued effort, accountability and the participation of all Zambians.
Mr President, as the country looks towards the next phase of national development under the Grow Zambia Agenda, we wish you strength, wisdom and good health as you continue to serve the nation. We look forward to the implementation of the seven ecosystems and the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 vision, as articulated in the national development agenda, to drive productive growth and create opportunities across the country.
This Independence Day, we celebrate Zambia’s freedom, the sacrifices of our forefathers and the responsibility entrusted to every generation to protect and advance the gains of independence.
Happy Independence Day, Mr President. Happy Independence Day, Zambia!
One Zambia, One Nation. Grow Zambia.
Issued by: UPND Media Team