The bishop-cum-politician emphasizes Humanism, a philosophy rooted in the belief that every human being is precious and deserves dignity. Photo: Courtesy.
By
Adonis Byemelwa
Trevor
Selwyn Mwamba, a man whose journey seamlessly bridges faith and politics,
embodies the enduring spirit of Zambia's unity and resilience. Born in 1958,
Mwamba’s life story intertwines with the country’s rich history, from its
hard-fought independence to its modern challenges.
Today,
as the President of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), he carries
forward the ideals of Zambia’s founding father, Kenneth Kaunda, who determined
to breathe new life into a party that once stood as a pillar of national
identity and pride.
In
an engaging conversation with Dr. Ayan, Mwamba sheds light on the rise, fall,
and potential resurgence of UNIP. The party’s profound influence on Zambia’s
political landscape is undeniable, from its instrumental role in independence
to its adoption of the iconic slogan “One Zambia, One Nation,” a phrase
etched into the country’s collective consciousness and echoed in its national
anthem. Mwamba’s reflections offer a rare blend of historical insight and
forward-looking vision, delving into politics, unity, and the shared
aspirations of the Zambian people.
For
Mwamba, the legacy of UNIP is more than political nostalgia—it’s a call to
action. "This is not just about history; it's about a future where Zambia
rediscovers its purpose and unites around common goals," he states with
conviction.
With
a clear-eyed view of Zambia’s challenges and opportunities, his mission is to
restore the values that once made the nation a beacon of hope in Africa. This
candid conversation promises to captivate anyone invested in the story of
Zambia and its journey toward a brighter tomorrow.
Mwamba’s
early years were steeped in values of service and leadership. The son of an
Anglican family, his father was the headmaster at Kenneth Kaunda Secondary
School, and their family shared close ties with Kaunda himself.
“At
just seven years old, I met Kenneth Kaunda when he visited our home,” Mwamba
recalls. “That moment stayed with me. He had such a presence and a love for his
people that it left an indelible mark on me.”
Educated
at the University of Zambia, Mwamba graduated with a law degree in 1981 before
pursuing theology at Oxford University, where he graduated in 1984. “Law taught
me to seek justice, and theology showed me the value of compassion,” he
explains.
His
career as an Anglican cleric blossomed, seeing him rise to become the Secretary
General of Anglican Bishops in Malawi, Botswana, and Zambia, and later the
Bishop of Botswana. His return to Zambia in 2021 marked a new chapter, blending
his spiritual leadership with political ambition.
UNIP,
the party that led Zambia to independence in 1964 under Kaunda’s leadership,
was once the heartbeat of the nation. Known for its slogan “One Zambia, One
Nation,” the party united diverse ethnic groups and prioritized education,
health, and economic progress. “UNIP was a party for the people,” Mwamba says
passionately. “It wasn’t just about politics—it was about building a nation,
creating opportunities, and ensuring that everyone felt included.”
However,
the party’s decline mirrors Zambia’s tumultuous history. The 1960s and 70s were
marked by regional instability, including the Unilateral Declaration of
Independence in Southern Rhodesia and apartheid in South Africa.
These
external pressures disrupted Zambia’s economy and politics, leading to
austerity measures that eroded public trust. “The world was against us in many
ways,” Mwamba reflects. “The Cold War brought rivalries that penetrated Africa,
and Zambia was caught in the middle of it all.”
By
the 1990s, UNIP faced its greatest challenges. Kaunda’s exclusion from the 1996
presidential race, due to a constitutional amendment targeting his
Malawian-born parents, marked a turning point. “It was a devastating blow,”
Mwamba says. “Kaunda was our leader, and without him, we struggled to find
direction. UNIP lost its voice, and internal divisions only made things worse.”
Despite
these setbacks, Mwamba remains optimistic about UNIP’s potential for a resurgence.
“Our values—unity, selflessness, and Humanism—are timeless,” he asserts. He
emphasizes Humanism, a philosophy rooted in the belief that every human being
is precious and deserves dignity. “Kaunda always said, ‘Love your neighbor as
yourself.’ That’s the heart of our message, and it’s as relevant today as it
was at independence.”
Mwamba
speaks with deep admiration for Kaunda and the generation of Pan-African
leaders who inspired him. “Men like Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Josip Broz
Tito of Yugoslavia, and Kaunda stood for something bigger than themselves. They
believed in unity and sovereignty, and they worked tirelessly to uplift their
people.”
However,
Mwamba is acutely aware of the challenges facing modern Zambia. Privatization
policies introduced in the 1990s, he argues, weakened the economy and left
local entrepreneurs struggling. “We have abundant resources—copper, gemstones,
fertile land—but the benefits are not reaching our people. Investors should
operate on a win-win basis, not exploit our resources while our people remain
in poverty,” he says.
Education,
a cornerstone of UNIP’s early policies, is another area Mwamba wants to
prioritize. “Zambia’s education system once produced some of the finest minds
in Africa,” he says. “I’m a product of that system, as is our current
President, Hakainde Hichilema. But today, many children lack access to quality
education. We need to rebuild, modernize, and ensure that education empowers
our youth to compete globally.”
He
envisions an education system that includes foreign languages to attract
tourism and prepare Zambians for international opportunities. “Imagine a Zambia
where our young people can speak Chinese, Japanese, or French fluently,” he
says. “It’s about opening doors and creating a more connected, competitive
nation.”
Mwamba
also reflects on the need for inclusivity in governance. “A nation of 20
million cannot be effectively led by a cabinet drawn from one political party,”
he argues. He advocates for a Government of National Unity that draws on the
talents of individuals across the political spectrum and the diaspora.
“Leadership should never be about monopolizing wisdom. It’s about pooling our
strengths to achieve a common goal—prosperity for all Zambians.”
The
upcoming 2026 general elections are on Mwamba’s mind, and he is ready to step
into the race if UNIP endorses him. “I’m prepared to serve,” he declares. “But
it’s not about power—it’s about purpose. My mission is to restore faith in
leadership, to remind Zambians of who we are and what we can achieve together.”
For
Mwamba, unity is not just a political slogan but a way of life. He laments the
divisions that have crept into Zambia’s social and political fabric, blaming
them on a departure from shared values. “We’ve forgotten the spirit of ‘One
Zambia, One Nation,’” he says. “We must return to it, not just in words but in
deeds.”
Despite
the challenges, Mwamba is hopeful. He sees a Zambia where resources are managed
responsibly, where education uplifts the next generation, and where unity
drives progress. “This country has so much potential,” he says. “We’ve faced
hardships, but our story isn’t over. Together, we can write a new chapter—one
of hope, growth, and shared success.”
As
Mwamba reflects on his journey, he remains grounded in his faith and values.
“Being a bishop taught me to serve others,” he says. “That’s what politics
should be about—service. Leadership is a calling, and my calling is to help
Zambians live better lives.”
Trevor
Mwamba’s vision for Zambia is both ambitious and deeply rooted in the country’s
history. His commitment to unity, education, and equitable development offers a
hopeful path forward. “Zambia’s best days are ahead of us,” he says with
conviction. “We just need to believe in ourselves and work together to make it
happen.”
