Protect Economic Gains




Hikaumba urges workers to back HH as 2026 election campaigns intensify

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (18-06-2026) -- Former Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Leonard Hikaumba has urged workers and citizens to support President Hakainde Hichilema, saying the country must safeguard economic gains as election campaigning gathers momentum ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

Hikaumba told Zambia24 that the UPND government has made progress in stabilising the economy, improving governance, and strengthening engagement with labour unions during its current term in office.

He said the campaign period should focus on assessing leadership based on performance rather than political promises, warning workers against being influenced by what he described as election rhetoric.

Hikaumba said employment opportunities had increased through recruitment in key sectors such as education, health, and security services, while dialogue between government and labour unions had improved under the current administration.

He also said investor confidence had strengthened, contributing to economic stability and job creation during the campaign cycle.

He contrasted the current administration with previous governments, citing challenges such as restricted public service recruitment, frozen salary adjustments, and limited opportunities for young people.

Hikaumba urged workers to remain focused as political parties present their manifestos, saying not all campaign promises were backed by credible implementation plans.

“Zambians must evaluate leaders based on their track record, not slogans,” he said.

He called on the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and its affiliate unions to maintain objectivity when assessing candidates and political parties contesting the 2026 elections.

Hikaumba said workers must ensure that electoral choices do not reverse what he described as existing economic and social gains.

“The choice before us in this campaign period is whether to protect the gains we have made or risk reversing progress,” he said.


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