Vice President Mutale Nalumango has issued a stern warning to underperforming Members of Parliament from the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) while commissioning new development projects during her visit to Kabompo District. The visit coincided with the Coalition for African Parliamentarians on Human, Animal Health and Environment (CAPAH) Expo.
Addressing parliamentarians, Mrs. Nalumango highlighted complaints from traditional leaders in North-Western Province about MPs who have lost popularity in their constituencies due to poor performance. She stated that the party will not adopt underperforming MPs in the next elections, adding that stakeholders and citizens will be consulted before candidate adoption for the 2026 general elections.
“Honourable Members of Parliament, you are adopted from the constituencies where you come from, so ensure you deliver development to your people. Even President Hakainde Hichilema and I are looking to you to deliver. It is your people who will bring you back,” she said.
The Vice President emphasized that UPND aims to maintain its popularity in the province and that the adoption process will reflect the party’s commitment to sustainable development. She urged MPs to evaluate their performance over the past five years before seeking re-adoption.
In a separate event, Mrs. Nalumango commissioned the groundbreaking ceremony for the CAPAH Boarding School in Watopa, Kabompo District. She affirmed government support for initiatives promoting climate resilience, food security, and inclusive development. The school aims to empower young people with knowledge and skills to become Africa’s next generation of climate champions. Once completed, it will serve as a centre of excellence for environmental stewardship, One Health, and climate resilience.
“You may wish to know that this is a Christian school that will uphold and promote high Christian values in line with the national constitution and values,” Mrs. Nalumango said. She added that the school’s vision is to produce academically competent and God-fearing citizens.
The Vice President also officiated the groundbreaking of a 150-hectare rice field under the CAPAH Farm Project. She noted that the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to food security, community empowerment, and job creation. Mrs. Nalumango commended CAPAH for promoting livestock farming alongside crop production.
CAPAH Deputy Chairperson Elijah Muchima urged citizens to use such projects to promote unity and love in the province, noting that CAPAH initiatives benefit the country and the wider African region. Northwestern Province Minister Robert Lihefu thanked CAPAH for establishing the school in Kamisamba-Watopa, where access to secondary education is limited. Provincial Education Officer Fredrick Munkinyi said the school will enhance education delivery in the region.
The Vice President’s visit underlines UPND’s focus on accountability among elected officials and the government’s commitment to education, climate action, and sustainable development in North-Western Province.