Crowds Build at Heroes Stadium Ahead of President Hichilema Rally

Heroes Stadium is filling up rapidly as supporters stream in ahead of President Hakainde Hichilema's rally in Lusaka, the lively atmosphere signalling a strong turnout for the afternoon's event.

The rally comes as President Hichilema seeks a fresh five-year mandate from more than 8.7 million registered voters. He is expected to set out the UPND administration's achievements since August 2021 and outline its plans for the years ahead.

The event follows the launch on 12 June of the UPND 2026 to 2031 manifesto, which details the party's plans to create more jobs, sustain economic growth and drive Zambia's long-term development. According to State House Media, the 2021 to 2026 period focused on rescuing, repairing and rebuilding the country's socio-economic foundations, while the next term will centre on delivering at scale, with more jobs, lower costs and better lives for Zambians.

In his address, President Hichilema is expected to highlight the expansion of free education, which has seen more than 2.5 million learners return to school, alongside Zambia's renewed international standing and the recruitment of tens of thousands of teachers, health workers, military personnel, police and correctional officers. He is also likely to point to the end of political cadre violence in public spaces.

Other expected themes include the rise in the Constituency Development Fund from K1.6 million per constituency in 2021 to K40 million, the debt restructuring programme, and inflation, which now stands at 6.5 per cent. He will also outline the policies the UPND Government intends to pursue to improve the lives of Zambia's more than 19 million citizens.