By EditorZambia
President Hakainde Hichilema has always prided himself on being a strategic, methodical, and deliberate leader, one who does not play to the gallery but acts only after deep analysis and careful evaluation.
It is this very methodical nature that has carried him from the days of opposition struggle to the heights of State House in 2021, and it is the same quality that continues to guide his governance style today. 
But as Zambia edges closer to the 2026 general elections, one truth becomes too loud to ignore, and that is that the President’s vision is being dragged down by deadwood, political passengers, and outright incompetence within his own Cabinet and party structure.
The gap between presidential delivery and ministerial performance has become not only embarrassing but politically dangerous.
It is now clear that the President is working with a group of ministers who have failed, not just to execute policy, but even to explain his achievements to the Zambian people.
If communication is a pillar of governance, then the current crop of non-performing ministers, are pulling that pillar down brick by brick.
This situation is not only sad. It is urgent.
Across the political spectrum worldwide, government reshuffles exist for one primary reason. Reshuffles are meant to strengthen the administration by injecting competence and removing liabilities.
No leader should be blamed for not tolerating under-performance at Cabinet level. For President Hichilema, the time to refresh the ranks, sharpen the team, and eliminate political baggage is now, not in 2026, not “when the situation improves,” but immediately.
Government reshuffles are not cosmetic gimmicks. They are a key tool for leaders to realign priorities, re-energise their teams, communicate policy direction, and maintain public confidence.
In Zambia today, confidence is not lost in the presidency. It is lost in certain ministers whose lacklustre performance is creating unnecessary political wounds.
A reshuffle would achieve several urgent objectives:
1. Refreshing the Government:
After three years in office, the UPND government needs fresh energy, sharper messengers, and individuals who can match the President’s pace. The perception that the administration is becoming stale is not rooted in the President’s leadership but in the visible incompetence of some of his lieutenants.
2. Improving Policy Communication:
One of the biggest failures in UPND today is communication. Major reforms from debt restructuring to free education, farmer input reforms, health sector investments, mining negotiations, and fiscal discipline are not being adequately explained.
Instead of amplifying the President’s successes, some ministers have become liabilities.
3. Removing Underperformers:
Where ministers fail to execute or become embroiled in public criticism, the entire government pays the price. Keeping them in office signals tolerance for mediocrity, a perception the UPND can not afford.
4. Consolidating Authority:
As Zambia walks toward 2026, the President must assert that loyalty is not enough. Competence, discipline, and diligence are non-negotiable.
Underperforming Ministers Who Need Reassignment or Removal
1. Paul Kabuswe – Mines and Minerals Development
The Ministry of Mines is too important to be left in the hands of a minister whose performance has been repeatedly questioned.
Kabuswe has consistently failed to demonstrate transparency, integrity, or strategic depth in handling issues surrounding KCM, Mopani, and the broader mineral value chain. His public communication has been abysmal, creating confusion rather than clarity.
In a copper-dependent economy, such missteps are unforgivable.
A more seasoned figure, such as Charles Milupi, would bring maturity, strategic calm, and policy coherence to this crucial ministry.
Kabuswe, whose strengths might lie elsewhere, should be moved to the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, where he may perform better.
2. Elisha Matambo – Copperbelt Minister
Matambo has become political deadweight. His handling of key political events, particularly the recent stoning incident, exposed a worrying level of unpreparedness.
The Copperbelt is not a playground; it is the heartbeat of Zambia’s political and economic landscape. Any minister deployed there must demonstrate acute political intelligence, readiness, and foresight.
Matambo failed to prepare adequately for the President’s visit and misread the political climate. Such lapses endanger not only the party’s standing but also the president himself.
The UPND can not afford such liabilities.
3. Mutinta Mazoka – Nominated MP
While the nomination of Mutinta Mazoka may have been well-intentioned, her relevance, effectiveness, and contribution remain unclear.
In Parliament, nominated MPs are expected to add intellectual weight, policy depth, and national perspective. If these expectations are not met, the President must reconsider her role for the sake of performance and political optics.
4. Makozo Chikote – Minister of Energy
Chikote has become one of the most publicly criticised ministers in the Cabinet and often for self-inflicted reasons.
His repeated insensitive remarks on load management and electricity supply have not only embarrassed the government but have also insulted the intelligence of suffering households and businesses.
Energy is a backbone sector. It requires a leader who is technically grounded, politically sensitive, and strategically communicative.
Chikote has shown none of these qualities. The portfolio demands someone who understands its complexity and communicates responsibly.
5. Jack Mwiimbu – Minister of Home Affairs
Home Affairs is too visible, too sensitive, and too strategic to be overseen with passivity.
Mwiimbu’s performance has lacked the decisiveness and political sharpness expected of a minister charged with internal security. His presence has become increasingly uninspiring.
A reassignment to the Ministry of Justice, where his legal background would be more useful, would be appropriate.
Home Affairs needs a dynamic reformer, and returning Gary Nkombo to this portfolio would strengthen the government ahead of 2026.
The biggest tragedy is that the President’s numerous achievements are being drowned by the incompetence of those tasked to explain them.
Ministers, permanent secretaries, and senior officials have failed to translate progress into political capital. This is why misinformation thrives, why public confidence fluctuates, and why the opposition gains traction on narratives that should have been easy to counter.
President Hichilema’s legacy, political fortunes, and national transformation agenda can not be held hostage by underperforming ministers.
Zambia needs a sharper, cleaner, more competent team, one that reflects the President’s vision and matches his work ethic.
A reshuffle is no longer a suggestion. It is a necessity. It is time to change guards in UPND.
