In politics, loyalty is tested not in times of victory, but in times of struggle. And if there is one individual whose name has become synonymous with commitment, consistency and sacrifice for the United Party for National Development, it is Joe Muchindu.
Muchindu has been attempting to become Member of Parliament for Choma on the UPND ticket since 2006, but was not adopted. In 2011 he was again on the ground mobilizing for the then opposition party, as well as pushing his agenda for Choma. He was not adopted again. That did not stop him. He campaigned for the party and for the adopted candidate. The UPND lost that election to the Patriotic Front.
Even then, Muchindu was approached by President Michael Sata to work in the PF government, having been a critic of Sata, but he declined and remained loyal to the UPND.
During the 2014–2015 Presidential by-election, Muchindu was again mobilizing. Using his own resources, he ferried about 23,000 people from different locations in Choma rural to town to obtain their NRCs — directly contributing to the Presidential votes for Hakainde Hichilema.
He also attempted for MP Choma in 2016. He did not make it as he was not adopted. He still continued campaigning for the party. The same happened in 2021, when after 23 years in opposition, the UPND finally formed government.
Prior to the August 2026 elections, many believed it was time for Muchindu to be MP for Choma South, a newly created constituency. He was popular in all the wards and won the majority votes in the primary elections.
But when adoptions were announced, Trevor Mwiinde got the adoption certificate — to the shock of UPND ward officials in Choma South. Some wanted to protest. Muchindu told them to respect the party decision. Others urged him to stand as an independent. He said “No.”
While many elsewhere defied the party and went independent, Muchindu remained loyal to the UPND and President Hichilema.
From opposition years through to government, Muchindu has remained a visible, vocal and dependable voice of the UPND. His loyalty has not wavered. His message has not changed. His belief in the vision of President Hakainde Hichilema has remained firm.
He was among the cadres who stood with the UPND when it was not fashionable to do so — during arrests, political persecution, and uphill campaigns. He chose democracy, unity and economic transformation.
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He has campaigned across constituencies, defended party policies in public forums, and mobilized grassroots structures. He has done the hard work of building and defending the party brand at community level. That is the foundation upon which political parties grow and governments succeed.
As President Hichilema leads the country’s transformation agenda, government needs people who understand both the struggle and the mission.
Appointing loyal, tested and competent persons like Joe Muchindu serves three purposes.
Recognize Sacrifice; Those who stood with the party before 2021 deserve to be part of delivering the promises made to the people. Strengthen Grassroots Link: Muchindu understands the language and concerns of ordinary Zambians.
His appointment would strengthen the link between government and the people, especially in Southern Province.
Defend and Deliver the Agenda: We need communicators and implementers who can articulate the President’s vision on jobs, the economy, debt restructuring, and free education without apology. Muchindu has that quality.
This is not a call for appointment based on loyalty alone. Joe Muchindu brings experience in mobilization, public engagement, and party organization. Those are exactly the qualities needed in boards, commissions, diplomatic service, and political appointments that drive the President’s agenda forward.
President Hichilema has repeatedly said that government is about service delivery. Appointing people who are both loyal and ready to work ensures that the New Dawn delivers on its promises.
As Zambia moves forward, the President has an opportunity to tap into that reservoir of commitment.
Appointing Joe Muchindu would send a clear message: Loyalty, hard work and service to the UPND and to Zambia are recognized and rewarded.
It would also energize the grassroots and assure party members that their contributions matter.
Mr. President, the time is now to bring on board people like Joe Muchindu who have already proven they can carry the party, and now can help carry the nation forward.
I challenge anyone to come forward and say Muchindu hasn’t shown loyalty and commitment to the UPND and its development agenda for Zambia like he has done.
I think he deserves to be recognized in one way or the other, Kwamana.
Francis Chipalo
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