17/10/2025
Born in the heart of Serenje under the traditional leadership of Chief Mailo, Timothy Sambwa Chitupila has emerged as one of Zambia’s most dynamic young leaders. As the ninth born in a family of ten, Chitupila’s upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of resilience, community, and purpose qualities that have shaped his journey in civic leadership and politics.
Chitupila’s academic path reflects his commitment to governance and social transformation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civic Education and a Master’s degree in Civic Education and Transformative Leadership. His pursuit of knowledge continues as he works toward a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a PhD in Governance, Peace and Development, underscoring his dedication to legal reform and peacebuilding in Zambia.
In 2021, at just 26 years old, Chitupila was adopted by the United Party for National Development (UPND) to contest as a Member of Parliament. However, his adoption was revoked just two days before nomination day. While many in similar positions chose to run as independents, Chitupila made a bold and principled decision: he remained loyal to the party and campaigned vigorously for the UPND and its presidential candidate. This act of selflessness and discipline highlighted his unwavering commitment to the party’s vision and values.
His loyalty and activism did not go unnoticed. The Patriotic Front (PF) referred to Chitupila as the UPND strongman due to the intense political pressure he exerted on them in Central Province during the 2020 and 2021 campaign seasons, as well as in the years leading up to the general election. His grassroots mobilization and fearless criticism of PF policies made him a formidable force in the region.
Chitupila has also been an outspoken critic of the PF government’s handling of public resources, particularly on issues of corruption and unsustainable borrowing. He has consistently called for transparency and strategic resource allocation, advocating for the rechanneling of fuel subsidies toward public service recruitment to address unemployment and strengthen national institutions. His guiding principle Stand with anyone doing the right thing and desert anyone that is in the wrong captures the moral clarity that defines his leadership.
Beyond politics, Chitupila serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Mbombe Multi-Purpose Society Limited, a National based organization focused on community development, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment and also holds a Position of Deputy President Under Youth Alliance Zambia Non-Governmental organization, Through this role, he continues to champion initiatives that uplift local communities and foster inclusive growth.
As Zambia looks ahead to 2026, voices like Chitupila’s are increasingly seen as essential to the country’s future. The nation has been waiting for any appointment for Sambwa Chitupila whether as District Commissioner (DC), Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS), Permanent Secretary (PS), or even in foreign service just to give him a chance to prove his capabilities. Yet, none has materialized so far. Perhaps this delay is strategic, with Chitupila being reserved for a parliamentary seat in 2026 a role many believe he is more than ready to take on.