Zambian President’s Son Joins Military, ZNS Urges Citizens To Respect Him

Lieutenant Habwela Hichilema

Source: Africa Publicity

Habwela Hichilema, the son of Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, has joined the Zambian army with the rank of Lieutenant.

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the Zambia National Service (ZNS) held a press conference in the capital, Lusaka, urging Zambians to respect Lieutenant Habwela Hichilema.

At the joint press briefing with the Zambian Ministry of Defence, ZNS says Habwela’s decision to join the military was a personal journey independent of his father’s position.

ZNS thanked the First Family of Zambia for raising for raising Lieutenant Habwela Hichilema whom it described as a disciplined and hardworking young man.

According to ZNS, “It is imperative that we honor his choice and acknowledge his individualism, as his decision is a personal one that should be respected.”

“No special treatment was given to Lieutenant Habwela Hichilema. He was treated like any other recruit during training.”

And Ministry of Defense Defense Permanent Secretary, Norman Hamaundu announced that 1,092 candidates have been selected for the ZNS Voluntary Training Program. Training will commence on August 25.