PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has officially assented into law the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, urging Zambians to unite and focus on national development.
Speaking this afternoon after assenting the Bill into law, President Hichilema said the reforms are not meant for one individual but for the current generation, including those who opposed the constitutional amendment, as well as future generations.
“These reforms are for you, your children, your grandchildren and those yet to be born. They are the true owners. If we remember that what we do is not only for ourselves but for the greater good, it becomes easier to move on,” he said.
The President called on those who opposed the Bill to put the debate behind them and concentrate on developing the country.
“I am also aware that some people have not moved on since the 2021 General Elections. They still think this is a dream. No, it is real. It is real. It is real. Let us move on. We have come this far and we must continue moving forward,” President Hichilema said.
He emphasised the need to prioritise economic growth to create jobs, expand business opportunities and increase revenue for the Treasury, which would enable Government to support the vulnerable, the sick, the elderly, persons with disabilities and retirees.
President Hichilema cited programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer under the Ministry of Community Development, as well as local government initiatives including Cash for Work as key interventions.
Declaring the debate on the Bill over, the President said it was time to continue building the country across all the 10 provinces and 116 districts.
“Based on what we have said, and following this signing, now that this is law, I declare that the debate is now behind us. Let us continue building our country across all the 10 provinces and 116 districts. We currently have 156 constituencies, and following this assent, there will be more constituencies,” he said.
The President noted that Zambians are concerned about many other pressing issues beyond the constitutional debate, including electricity supply.
He said load shedding would soon come to an end, adding that citizens wanted reliable power to sustain small businesses such as salons, tuck shops and restaurants in areas such as Mandevu, Chipulukusu and Manyinga, as well as electricity in health centres to save lives.
“They want electricity in all health centres so that a premature child on oxygen can survive. Now that this debate is over, let us focus on these issues,” President Hichilema said.
He said Government is working tirelessly to address the electricity challenges, contrary to some assertions.
“We are diversifying electricity sources, including solar energy, and I am very proud to say that progress is being made,” President Hichilema said.
(Mwebantu, Thursday, 18th December, 2025)
