Hakainde Hichilema Pledges New University for Choma During Working Visit

President Hakainde Hichilema has restated his government’s commitment to sharing national resources across the country, saying development should reach every region under the Grow Zambia Agenda. He made the remarks after arriving in Choma District, Southern Province, for a 10-day working holiday, accompanied by First Lady Mutinta Hichilema. According to the report, Hichilema announced plans for a public university in Choma. The proposed institution would be part of a wider government programme to establish six public universities in provinces that do not currently have one. Southern Province is expected to receive one of them, with Choma named as the location. The president also highlighted free education, now enshrined in law, as a continuing priority for his administration following the UPND’s renewed mandate. He thanked residents of Choma and the wider province for their support, saying the second term offered an opportunity for more children to benefit from free schooling and school meals. Hichilema urged citizens to support the Grow Zambia Agenda as the country moves from recovery and stabilisation towards growth. He also called on UPND leaders in Southern Province to show unity, discipline and hard work, and told elected representatives to remain accountable to the communities that put them in office. Leaders, he said, should work together and tackle local development needs rather than become complacent. Southern Province Minister Edgar Sing’ombe said he would work with the provincial administration and other stakeholders to improve livelihoods and advance the agenda. Choma Central MP Cornelius Mweetwa also pledged cooperation with the newly appointed minister. Hichilema is expected to hold a community engagement in Choma on Friday, where he will meet residents.