219 Views …veteran lawmaker survives despite losing constituency primaries Long-serving parliamentarian and former Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu has secured adoption as UPND candidate for the newly created Monze East Constituency despite reportedly losing the party’s primary ranking elections. Mwiimbu, now nicknamed “Mseveni” by political commentators because of his lengthy stay in Parliament, managed to […]

219 Views …veteran lawmaker survives despite losing constituency primaries

Jack Mwiimbu

Long-serving parliamentarian and former Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu has secured adoption as UPND candidate for the newly created Monze East Constituency despite reportedly losing the party’s primary ranking elections.

Mwiimbu, now nicknamed “Mseveni” by political commentators because of his lengthy stay in Parliament, managed to obtain the adoption certificate after intense internal consultations within the ruling party.

The veteran politician reportedly lost the grassroots primary elections to a new entrant identified as Victor Cheelo. Sources indicate that Mwiimbu only managed to win two out of six wards during the adoption ranking exercise.

In Chisekese Ward, sources told Zambian Eye that Mwiimbu allegedly failed to secure a single vote.

Despite the setback, Mwiimbu had been actively campaigning in Monze East, a constituency recently created through the delimitation process from Monze Central.

Party insiders say the senior lawyer and politician was unwilling to risk relying solely on possible presidential appointment after the elections, unlike some members who may remain politically relevant through ministerial or diplomatic appointments if President Hakainde Hichilema wins re-election.

Sources say Mwiimbu instead pushed hard for direct adoption, determined to remain in elective politics.

The development places him among senior UPND figures such as Cornelius Mweetwa and Sylvia Masebo who are reportedly fighting to remain on the ballot despite pressure for long-serving leaders to pave way for new faces.

Others such as former Education Minister Douglas Syakalima and Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe have stepped back from direct adoption battles.

Sources further say Victor Cheelo has allegedly been promised consideration under the party’s youth nomination slots.

Mwiimbu has in recent months openly stated that no one would force him out of politics, arguing that he sacrificed greatly for the UPND and President Hichilema during the years the party was in opposition.

Following his adoption, Mwiimbu released a lengthy message thanking President Hichilema and the UPND leadership for endorsing his candidature.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema for the trust and confidence he has bestowed upon me by endorsing my candidature for Monze East Constituency,” Mwiimbu stated.

He described the adoption as a victory for ordinary citizens, party members and supporters who had remained loyal to the UPND over the years.

The veteran politician also called for reconciliation within the party following what has been highly competitive and divisive primary elections across the country.

“To my fellow aspirants and all those who supported different candidates during the adoption process, I wish to assure you that I hold no bitterness or ill feelings,” he stated.

“Our great party is founded on democratic values that encourage healthy competition and participation. That process has now come to an end and the time for unity has arrived.”

Mwiimbu further urged party members to focus on delivering victory for President Hichilema and the UPND in the August 13 general elections.

The adoption battles within the ruling party have exposed growing tensions between long-serving politicians and emerging younger members seeking leadership opportunities ahead of the crucial 2026 elections.