Broken promises and deceptive Leadership: What new lies will bally tell us Next?
By Thandiwe Ngoma
WHEN President Hakainde Hichilema, fondly known as “Bally,” ascended to power, he did so riding a wave of hope and promises that resonated deeply with the Zambian people. His campaign was a masterclass in messaging, offering assurances of economic recovery, job creation, affordable living costs, free education, a transparent government free from corruption, and a commitment to respect the rule of law. Yet, over two years into his presidency, many of those promises remain unfulfilled, leaving Zambians wondering: What new lies will Bally tell us next?
The illusion of economic recovery
One of Bally’s central promises was to fix the economy and alleviate the hardships faced by millions of Zambians. However, the reality paints a starkly different picture. The cost of living has skyrocketed, with essentials like mealie- meal and fuel becoming luxuries for many households. Instead of creating a robust economy, the government has often resorted to external borrowing, further deepening the country’s debt crisis.
He specifically promised to reduce the price of mealie- meal from K130 to K50, a bold statement that resonated with struggling families. However, today, prices remain high, and many households are worse off. Similarly, he pledged to lower fuel prices from K17 to K10, but the opposite has occurred, with fuel prices surging, driving up the cost of transport and basic goods. Fertilizer was supposed to drop from K650 to K250, making agriculture more affordable for farmers. Instead, input costs remain out of reach for many, threatening food security.
Additionally, Bally pledged that Zambian minerals would no longer be exported in unfinished form, claiming this would add value locally and create jobs. Yet, Zambia continues to export raw materials, missing out on opportunities for industrialisation and economic diversification. This broken promise has deepened frustration, particularly in mining communities.
What new excuses will be presented in 2026 to justify this economic stagnation?
Selective accountability in the fight against corruption
President Hichilema promised to root out corruption and ensure accountability in all sectors of governance. However, allegations of corruption within his own government have surfaced, with key officials implicated in scandals that are swept under the rug. Cases like the gold scandal, the 61 containers of medical supplies scandal, and questionable ambulance procurement deals suggest that the fight against corruption is selective, targeting political opponents while shielding allies.
He vowed to restore the rule of law, protect, and defend the Constitution, claiming that under his leadership, no one would be above the law. Yet, selective justice has become a hallmark of his administration, with allies often escaping accountability. The promise of a fair system now appears to have been a smokescreen for political expediency.
The question remains: Will Bally’s next campaign include another lofty anti-corruption pledge, or will he deny the failings of his administration altogether?
Freedom of expression and assembly
Bally assured Zambians that his administration would uphold freedom of expression and assembly. Yet, incidents of suppression, such as the heavy-handed treatment of opposition voices and restrictions on public gatherings, reveal a concerning pattern. While his allies are allowed to campaign freely, opposition rallies are often met with resistance. Citizens are scared to voice their criticisms, as dissent is often met with trumped-up charges such as sedition and hate speech.
This contradiction undermines the democratic principles he once championed and raises doubts about his commitment to true freedom for all citizens.
Loadshedding and unreliable electricity
One of the promises that resonated with many was the pledge to end loadshedding. Hichilema confidently declared that Zambians would experience a stable power supply under his leadership. He claimed that loadshedding was a result of poor leadership by the previous government and dismissed external factors like climate change as excuses. He even cited Dubai, a desert city, as an example of a place without power cuts.
However, loadshedding persists, disrupting businesses and daily life across the country.
What new justification will Bally provide to Zambians in 2026 when this promise remains unfulfilled?
Unfulfilled promises of job creation
During his campaign, Hichilema promised to create jobs for Zambians, particularly the youth. He often said, “When you see me, just shout Bally, then employment will be right at your doorstep.”
Instead, unemployment remains high, and the few opportunities that exist are concentrated in informal and low-paying sectors. The dream of widespread job creation remains unfulfilled, leaving many young people disillusioned.
Will his next campaign promise more jobs, or will he acknowledge the glaring gaps in his delivery?
Broken promises to small-scale miners
In a bid to secure votes in the Copperbelt, Bally promised to grant mining licenses to small-scale miners, locally known as “jerabos.” This was seen as a lifeline for many who have long sought legal recognition and access to resources. Yet, over two years later, this promise has largely been ignored, leaving small-scale miners feeling betrayed.
Medicines in medical facilities
One of the cornerstones of Bally’s campaign was a pledge to ensure that all medical facilities were well-stocked with medicines. However, the healthcare sector continues to face chronic shortages, with patients often having to buy medications privately at exorbitant prices. This has worsened the plight of the most vulnerable, who rely on public healthcare.
What new explanation will be given in 2026 for the failure to address this critical issue?
Free, quality education: A failed dream
President Hichilema captured the hearts of many with his promise of free and high-quality education for all Zambians. This promise was especially appealing to parents. Upon taking office, he declared that primary and secondary education would be free, offering relief to countless families.
However, the implementation of this promise has faced significant challenges. While school fees have been abolished, schools have become overcrowded, with many classrooms now holding double their capacity. Pupils often sit on the floor due to a lack of desks, and the pupil-to-teacher ratio has increased dramatically, resulting in overworked teachers and reduced attention for individual pupils.
The lack of resources has exacerbated the situation. Textbooks are in short supply, forcing pupils to share or rely on outdated materials. Overcrowding has also led to health risks, as poorly ventilated classrooms become breeding grounds for illness, especially during outbreaks of communicable diseases. Furthermore, the promise of free education did not extend meaningfully to tertiary education, leaving many students in colleges and public universities burdened by rising tuition fees and limited financial aid.
In addition, the quality of education has suffered due to crumbling infrastructure, with many schools in disrepair. The absence of modern learning materials and facilities has led to an erosion of learning outcomes and education standards. The promise of free, quality education has instead resulted in frustration, with the education system unable to meet the expectations set by the government.
Will Bally admit the shortcomings of his educational policy, or will he mask the failings with further empty promises in 2026?
Conclusion: A leadership in question
As we approach the next election cycle, it’s clear that President Hichilema’s leadership has been marked by unfulfilled promises and strategic deception. Zambians are left to ask: What new lies will Bally tell us next?
Will it be another promise to fix the economy? Another commitment to fight corruption? A renewed vow to end loadshedding? Or will it be a deflection, blaming external forces for the failures of his administration?
As the clock ticks toward 2026, one thing is certain: the Zambian people deserve more than broken promises and half-truths. They deserve a leader who delivers—not just one who campaigns well.
