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.”
