Livingstone, Saturday — United Party for National Development (UPND) National Youth Coordinator Gilbert Liswaniso has urged the party leadership to prioritize the empowerment of youths, calling them the true foot soldiers of President Hakainde Hichilema (HH).
Addressing thousands of enthusiastic youths at a mass rally held at Maramba Stadium, Liswaniso emphasized that young people have remained loyal and are ready to defend the party’s vision into the future.
“Youths are the real friends of HH. We are in the office of the President, and we want to make him even more popular,” Liswaniso said. “But some people in office today are not helping us. They have failed. They are not cadres — we, the youths, are the true cadres. When we request help, they ignore us.”
He called on the President to take action against officials who have sidelined the youths, urging HH to replace them with individuals who understand the needs and aspirations of young people.
“This is not church — this is politics. We are here to benefit too. We are ready to work. If they want to enjoy alone, they should know that when HH wins again, it will be because of the foot soldiers — the youths.”
Liswaniso also spoke on the need for amendments to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Constitution, saying the changes would create opportunities for more youth involvement, especially in skills training programs.
“Our constituencies are too big, and we want to benefit from the CDF. Skills training should be for us, the youths, in HH’s office. We are the ones who should be lifted up.”
He reiterated that the unity between HH and the youths must be preserved, urging forgiveness among members in Livingstone to strengthen the party's base.
“Let us unite and forgive each other. HH loves the youths and the people of Zambia. The good things happening are because of you — the youths.”
Liswaniso encouraged young people to start preparing to contest elections in 2026 and beyond, noting that true political change would take time.
“We were in the opposition for 23 years. We know that the real elections — the ones that will truly shape Zambia’s future — will be in 2041. Until then, we must stay strong and loyal.”
He concluded with a rallying call: “Go and tell the President — we, the youths, are ready to campaign for him. We will give him the people he should work with. We are ready for the opposition, and we are ready for victory.”
The youth rally marked a spirited show of strength for the UPND's youth wing as they pledged continued support for President Hichilema ahead of the 2026 elections.
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