Jephason Kalengo , a young aspirant for the Chawama Ward 2 Council seat, has expressed appreciation and respect for the mentorship and leadership example of Hon. Imanga Wamunyima Jr., the youngest member of Parliament for Nalolo Constituency and the Select Committee Chairperson on the recently passed Bill 7 under the UPND government.
Kalengo notes that working closely with Hon. Wamunyima Jr. in Nalolo Constituency has been a key source of inspiration, particularly in understanding how focused leadership, effective utilisation of CDF, and strategic partnerships can translate into tangible results at the community level. He says the development strides recorded in Nalolo have significantly influenced his decision to seek leadership in Chawama.
The aspiring young councillor previously served as a Youth Representative on the Ward Development Committee under Lusaka City Council in Chawama Ward 2 and also participated in Neighbourhood Watch Committee elections, experiences that exposed him to grassroots leadership and community dynamics, despite resistance from some long-serving committee members.
Having grown up in Chawama, Kalengo has worked for several years with women and young people, addressing key challenges such as rising crime and substance abuse, commonly referred to as “Junky behavior.”
Through this work, he has come to believe that development must be driven by the people themselves, a conviction he attributes in part to the mentorship and example of Hon. Wamunyima Jr.
Kalengo further acknowledges Hon. Wamunyima Jr., as a young leader who carries strong leadership qualities, discipline, and vision—attributes demonstrated through his performance as Chairperson of the Select Committee on Bill 7, now law.
His campaign for Chawama Ward 2 Council seat is anchored on a livelihood-focused manifesto, aligning with national development priorities under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, with a commitmentpeople-driven and inclusive development.