President Hichilema Pledges Roads, Power and Jobs Across Luapula

President Hakainde Hichilema has completed a two-day campaign tour of Luapula Province, carrying a message of continuity and development to communities across the region and urging residents to return the UPND to power in the 13 August General Election.

Opening the tour in Chienge, Nchelenge, Kawambwa and Mwense, the President called on people to "vote the chain" by backing the party's presidential and parliamentary candidates, so that progress could continue in a province he said had been overlooked for too long. He pledged major road and bridge works, including the Nchelenge–Chienge and Chienge–Lambwe roads and the Mwabu and Akafungulu bridges, alongside an expanded Farmer Input Support Programme, more FRA depots, and stronger health, banking and skills-training services. In Mwense, he directed that volunteer health workers and teachers be absorbed into the ongoing recruitment drive, adding that peace remains the foundation of all development.

On the second day, the President visited Lunga, Chifunabuli, Samfya and Mansa. In the island districts, he promised barges and safer vessels to improve water transport, a modern boarding school, a district hospital, new bridges and communication towers. In Samfya, he pledged to upgrade the district hospital to offer specialist care, sparing patients the journey to Lusaka, and to complete key roads.

He closed in Mansa with plans for the 200-megawatt Kalungwishi Hydropower Plant, which, together with the Mabumba Solar Plant, would strengthen the province's power supply. He also announced a new university for Mansa, investment in the Tuta and Chembe roads, and support for maize exports to the DRC.

Throughout, the President's message stayed consistent: jobs, connectivity and lasting development for every part of Luapula.