Hichilema sworn in for second term as Zambia president

September 2, 2026 at 12:18 AM1 min

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President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. His main rival, Brian Mundubile, is in detention on treason charges as opposition figures allege vote rigging. The ceremony drew leaders from the US, China, and several African nations.

Key Facts

Hichilema won 60 percent of the vote in the August 13 election, while runner-up Brian Mundubile secured 38 percent.
Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu were arrested on Thursday and charged with treason.
Police raided Mundubile's home the day after the election, and a former cabinet member was shot and killed during the raid.
Zambia's courts were abruptly closed last week, preventing opposition legal challenges to the vote.
Mutale Nalumango was sworn in as vice-president at the same ceremony.

Inauguration Ceremony

Hichilema took the oath of office at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Tuesday. Leaders and dignitaries from the United States, China, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania attended the ceremony. Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan congratulated Hichilema on his re-election in a post on X. Hichilema pledged to rule with equality and to continue improving Zambia's economy.

Opposition Detention

Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu were charged with treason on Thursday after spending two weeks seeking refuge with an international human rights organisation. Police have not provided details of the allegations underpinning the charges. Around a dozen other opposition figures who questioned the election result have been arrested. US-based Human Rights Watch criticised the court closure, saying it prevents the opposition from filing legal challenges against the vote.