Prominent Lusaka businessman, Phinias Mwami Kalenga, has been elected to the supreme organ of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), the National Management Committee (NMC).
Mr. Kalenga is among seven representatives elected from North-Western Province, alongside Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma, Watson Lumba, Health Minister Alex Katakwe, Victor Lumayi, Nolebe Kuliye and Brian Kambita.
The University of Zambia Master of Business Administration degree holder was elected during the highly contested General Assembly, which ushered in 70 members to the NMC for the 2026–2031 term.
Described as a youthful and dynamic leader, Mr. Kalenga has built a reputation as a grassroots mobiliser, having previously served under the national youth leadership led by Gilbert Liswaniso.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kalenga paid tribute to those who served before him, stating: “I pay tribute to my predecessors and all those who served before us. They have built a strong foundation upon which we, as new members, must now build and deliver.”
He further pledged his commitment to the party’s future success and the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, saying: “I will double my efforts to ensure that our inspirational and visionary party leader secures a resounding victory in the August 13, 2026 general elections.”
Mr. Kalenga said President Hichilema заслужes a second term, citing key achievements such as increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, expanded school feeding programmes and ongoing economic reforms.
“The President has laid a solid foundation through transformative policies, and he deserves another mandate to consolidate these gains for the benefit of all Zambians,” he said.
Mr. Kalenga also pledged servant leadership, assuring party members that their confidence in him would not be misplaced.
“I remain committed to serving with humility, dedication and accountability. I will not disappoint the trust that has been placed in me,” he said.
The newly elected NMC members are drawn from all provinces as follows:
Central Province: Collins Maoma, Collins Nzovu, Stanley Kakubo, Chushi Kasanda, Sydney Chisenga, Martha Mushipe, Gershom Chungu.
Copperbelt Province: Chipoka Mulenga, Clarissa Chikamba, Paul Kabuswe, Grizah Shambutu, Michelle Kabwata, Ignitius Shilangwa, Mark Simuuwe.
Eastern Province: Edith Kamanga, Noel Nkhoma, Peter Daka, Dennis Zimba, William Banda, Mathius Nyorongo, Johabie Mutonga.
Luapula Province: Peter Kapala, Charles Kaisala, Ken Ng’ona, Favorite Musangu, John Chinyanta, Daniel Chisala, Francis Kope.
Lusaka Province: Sylvia Masebo, Mulambo Haimbe, Bob Sakahiru, Grace Chivube, Elizabeth Lungu, Engineer Situmbeko, Mirriam Chonya.
Muchinga Province: Robert Kapeya, Paul Sichamba, George Sinkala, John Sichinga, Patricia Kamanga, Christopher Mwaba, John Valika.
Northern Province: Mutale Nalumango, Elvis Nkandu, Doreen Mwamba, Hellen Banda, Paul Mulenga, Lisbon Mpande, Cancelus Nchele.
North-Western Province: Ambrose Lufuma, Watson Lumba, Alex Katakwe, Victor Lumayi, Nolebe Kuliye, Brian Kambita, Phinias Mwami Kalenga.
Southern Province: Jack Mwiimbu, Douglas Syakalima, Cornelius Mweetwa, Loveness Malambo, Sialubalo Gift, Trevor Mwinde, Godfrey Beene.
Western Province: Situmbeko Musokotwane, Batuke Imenda, Likando Mufalali, Gilbert Liswaniso, Getrude Imenda, Romeo Kang’ombe, Makozo Chikote.
Mr Mwanza said the election process was conducted in accordance with the party constitution and electoral guidelines, ensuring transparency, fairness, and credibility.
UPND officials described the General Assembly as a success, noting that it reflects the party’s commitment to internal democracy and inclusive leadership.