HH sworn in!

Thousands of Zambians from all walks of life converged at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka yesterday to witness President Hakainde Hichilema take his oath of office for a second five-year term, in a ceremony that drew crowds as early as dawn and filled the 60,000-capacity venue.

Thousands more unlucky enthusiasts failed to make it inside and watched the proceedings on large screens outside. Multitudes clad in national colours and UPND party regalia, waving miniature national flags and draped in wrappers bearing the President’s portrait, formed a sea of humanity from miles around.

The arrival of President Hichilema and Vice-President W.K. Mutale-Nalumango drew a thunderous chorus of approval as the national anthem, led by the Zambia Army brass band, signalled the start of official proceedings. The mood inside the stadium then shifted from celebratory to solemn silence as the constitutional proceedings were laid out.

With the Bible raised in his right hand and the constitutional oath administered by Chief Justice Mumba Malila, President Hichilema pledged to faithfully execute the functions of his office and serve the people of Zambia, formally beginning his second term as Head of State. Vice-President Mutale-Nalumango was also sworn in, drawing admiration and applause from the terraces.

The swearing-in represented not just the proclamation of presidential power but a reaffirmation of the mandate given by the electorate through the August 13 general elections. The moment was met with jubilation as supporters celebrated what they described as a vote of confidence in the President’s leadership.

As Commander-in-Chief, President Hichilema inspected the Guard of Honour and was accorded full ceremonial honours, including a 21-gun salute and fly-past. Traditional dance troupes entertained the audience, their songs and dances echoing across the city and heightening the festive atmosphere.

The ceremony attracted foreign dignitaries including presidents from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia, who delivered powerful messages of support and congratulations. The presence of leaders from different political parties, traditional leaders, clergy, diplomats, and other dignitaries added weight to the occasion and underscored the importance of national unity.