In a strategic move to strengthen his administration before the 2026 general elections, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has dismissed a provincial minister and six permanent secretaries. Announced on Friday, the reshuffle aims to better align the government with Zambia’s development goals.
The changes affected Henry Sikazwe, the former Minister for Muchinga Province, and Gregory Ngowani, the former Government Deputy Chief Whip. Permanent secretaries Henry Mukungule (Muchinga Province), Robert Kamalata (Lusaka Province), Mighty Mumba (Luapula Province), and Ringo Zulu, the Controller of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, were also dismissed. Additionally, Joseph Akafumba (Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security), Augustine Kasongo (Copperbelt Province), and Mwamba Peni (Special Duties) were replaced.
Hichilema appointed Njavwa Simutowe as the new Minister for Muchinga Province and Nason Musonda as Minister for Luapula Province. Likando Mufalali was named Government Deputy Chief Whip. In the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Mulele M. Mulele (Economic Management & Finance), Mwaka Mukebesa (Budget & Economic Affairs), and Prudence Kaoma (Planning & Administration) were appointed to key roles.
The reshuffle also included strategic transfers aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency. Maambo Hamaundu moved from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to the Ministry of Defence. Norman Chipakupaku transitioned from the Ministry of Defence to the Office of the Vice President as the DMMU Coordinator, while Dr. Gabriel Pollen was reassigned to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. Patrick Mucheleka and Joe Kalusa were moved to the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources and Lusaka Province, respectively.
President Hichilema thanked the outgoing officials for their service and expressed confidence in the new appointees’ abilities to drive national development. The reshuffle is widely seen as a calculated effort to boost public confidence and enhance service delivery ahead of the 2026 elections.
Political analysts view the changes as part of Hichilema’s strategy to strengthen his agenda for economic recovery, governance reforms, and improved public sector efficiency. The new leadership will be closely monitored for its impact on policy implementation and its influence on Hichilema’s political standing as he seeks re-election in 2026.