Re-elect Bally to Sustain Education Reforms

 

NACOSU Chairperson Michelo Chizombe rallies students at Mwinilunga Trades Training Institute

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (July 6, 2026) -- The National Council of Students Union (NACOSU) has thrown its strong support behind President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND), calling on students across Zambia to back them in the upcoming August general elections.

Speaking to students from various higher learning institutions at Mwinilunga Trades Training Institute in North Western Province, NACOSU Chairperson Michelo Chizombe said President Hichilema, popularly known as Bally, and the UPND deserve re-election so that the positive policies in the education sector can continue.

Chizombe thanked the government for the real improvements it has brought to students and young people. He encouraged students nationwide to support ongoing programmes that are transforming education and empowering the youth.

“The government has paid huge attention to young people and students,” Chizombe told the gathering. “We are here to appreciate what Bally has done. Some of us would not be here today without the valuable things he has done.”

He urged students to think carefully about the future, saying it is important to keep the current leadership in place so that challenges can be solved more quickly.

“For us to resolve our challenges quickly, you have a duty — and that duty is to allow our parents, the people we run to when we need solutions, to continue serving,” he said. “But if you bring in others who will have to start everything from scratch — getting to know each other and negotiating all over again — is that really what you want?”

Chizombe noted that students from Mwinilunga District and other areas have already pledged their support for the UPND. For NACOSU, this endorsement is about protecting the progress the country has made, especially in education.

During President Hichilema’s time in office, the government has focused heavily on education — rolling out more bursaries, building infrastructure in colleges and universities, and planning new provincial universities. The President recently announced that the 2027 budget will fund six new public universities so that every province has better access to higher education. Many students say these changes have made a real difference in their lives.

With the August 2026 elections drawing closer, NACOSU’s backing adds to the growing support coming from youth and student groups for the ruling party. The theme of continuing the good work already started is likely to be a major part of the campaign.