Humphrey Mulemba
| Humphrey Mulemba | |
|---|---|
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| Office | |
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| Nationality | Zambian |
| Political party | UNIP, MMD, National Party |
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| Occupation | Politician, Freedom Fighter |
Humphrey Mulemba (1932–1998) was a senior Zambian politician and freedom fighter who played a significant role in Zambia’s political landscape, serving across three major political parties: the United National Independence Party (UNIP), the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), and the National Party.
Early life and career
Mulemba was educated at Chikuni and started his career as a miner at Nchanga Copper Mines in Chingola. He later became an assistant personnel officer and was active in trade union activities, eventually becoming the full-time secretary of the General Workers’ Union. His political involvement led to his detention in 1959, alongside other activists.
Political career
After his release in 1960, Mulemba resumed political work with the United National Independence Party (UNIP), becoming the party's secretary for the North-West Province. He entered Parliament in 1964 as MP for Lukusuzi and served as Deputy Speaker for three years. In 1967, he was appointed Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and the Public Service, before holding various other ministerial positions, including Minister of Trade and Minister of Mines. He was instrumental in the Zambianisation of the mining sector, chairing the Mines Zambianisation Committee.
Role in multi-party politics
During the transition to multi-party democracy in 1991, Mulemba joined the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and was elected MP for Solwezi Central. He served as Minister of Mines and Mineral Development from 1991 to 1992. However, disillusioned with the governance of President Frederick Chiluba’s MMD, Mulemba and other prominent figures, including Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika and Emmanuel Kasonde, formed the National Party in 1993. Mulemba became the president of the new opposition party, which contested the 1996 elections but struggled to gain significant ground.
Death and legacy
Humphrey Mulemba passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to social justice and anti-corruption. He is remembered as a stalwart of Zambia’s independence movement and a key player in the country’s political evolution.
See also
References
- "Humphrey Mulemba: Freedom Fighter and Politician". The Zambian Observer. [1]
