288 Views MWENSE, LUAPULA PROVINCE, July 16, 2026 – President Hakainde Hichilema has directed that volunteer workers in the health and education sectors who attended his campaign rally in Mwense be considered for employment under the government’s ongoing recruitment exercise. The directive, announced during the United Party for National Development (UPND) presidential campaign in Luapula […]

288 Views

MWENSE, LUAPULA PROVINCE, July 16, 2026 – President Hakainde Hichilema has directed that volunteer workers in the health and education sectors who attended his campaign rally in Mwense be considered for employment under the government’s ongoing recruitment exercise.

The directive, announced during the United Party for National Development (UPND) presidential campaign in Luapula Province, has immediately attracted political attention, with the opposition questioning whether public sector recruitment should be linked to attendance at political events.

Addressing supporters in Mwense, President Hichilema said his government remained committed to creating jobs and improving livelihoods in the district.

“It is for this reason that we directed that all volunteers in the health, teaching amongst other professions that came to our meeting today be employed in the current ongoing recruitment exercise and soon to be created jobs,” President Hichilema said.

He added that his administration would continue creating employment opportunities and supporting economic growth.

“We will continue to create jobs and business opportunities for you all. A peaceful environment is a source of development.”

The President further appealed to voters to support UPND candidates in the August 13 General Election.

“Ba Mwense, vote for the UPND youngest female parliamentary candidate and all other UPND candidates including ourselves so that together, we can continue making Mwense District of Luapula Province even better.”

Opposition reacts

The announcement comes a day after National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile criticised what he described as the politicisation of public employment.

While addressing campaign rallies, Mundubile alleged that government jobs were increasingly being linked to political activities.

He argued that recruitment into the Civil Service should be based on merit and established public service procedures rather than attendance at political rallies.

Mundubile said his administration would “reset” the way government institutions operate if elected into office.

“The country has been reduced to a katemba or a farm where people are employed from political rallies,” he said.

He further argued that many citizens attend campaign meetings out of hope that doing so could improve their chances of securing employment.

Recruitment in focus

The President’s remarks come as government continues implementing one of the largest public sector recruitment programmes in recent years, with thousands of teachers, health workers and other public service employees having been recruited since 2021.

The UPND has consistently cited job creation as one of its major achievements, while opposition parties have argued that recruitment processes should remain transparent, merit-based and free from perceptions of political influence.

As campaigns intensify ahead of the August 13 General Election, employment, youth unemployment and public service recruitment have emerged among the central issues dominating the presidential race.