FREDERICK CHILUBA

Frederick Chiluba, born on April 30, 1943, in Luapula Province, Zambia, was the son of Jacob Titus Chiluba Nkonde and Diana Kaimba. He spent his early years in Mambilima, attending Mambilima Mbolo Special School for his basic education. He later went to Kawambwa Boys Technical Secondary School, but his time there was cut short when he was expelled in his second year due to his political activities. Undeterred, Chiluba took on various jobs, first as a bus conductor and later working as an accounts assistant at Atlas Copco. He also served as a city councillor before joining the National Union of Building, where his involvement in labor movements began.

Chiluba's political rise came through his leadership in the labor movement. He became the chairman of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and emerged as a vocal critic of President Kenneth Kaunda’s regime. In 1981, he was arrested for leading a strike but was released after a court ruled that his detention was unconstitutional. His resistance to Kaunda's rule positioned him as a central figure in Zambia's political opposition.

In 1990, Chiluba co-founded the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), which sought to end Zambia’s one-party state. The following year, he led the MMD to a historic victory, defeating Kaunda in a landslide to become the second president of Zambia. Chiluba’s presidency brought significant changes, including economic reforms that emphasized privatization and Zambia’s declaration as a Christian nation. However, his attempt to amend the constitution to allow a third term in office faced stiff opposition, and he eventually stepped down in 2002.

After leaving office, Chiluba faced numerous corruption charges, including allegations of embezzling millions of dollars. In 2007, a UK court found him guilty, but he continued to maintain his innocence, claiming the trial was biased. Despite these challenges, Chiluba was acquitted of all charges in Zambia in 2009, which many saw as a politically influenced decision.

Chiluba’s legacy is one of both significant economic reforms and ongoing controversies. While his administration helped restructure Zambia’s debts and introduced key reforms, his reputation was tainted by corruption allegations. His personal life also attracted attention, particularly after his divorce from Vera Tembo in 2000, following 33 years of marriage. In 2002, he remarried Regina Mwanza, which further drew public interest, especially as both women had political roles.

Chiluba’s relationship with his successor, President Levy Mwanawasa, soured when Mwanawasa pursued corruption charges against him. This led Chiluba to support Michael Sata, the opposition leader, in the 2006 elections. However, after Mwanawasa’s death in 2008, Chiluba’s fortunes improved under President Rupiah Banda, who decided not to pursue further legal action against him. Chiluba publicly endorsed Banda for re-election in 2011, a move that was criticized by his political opponents.

On June 18, 2011, Chiluba passed away from a heart attack. His death was announced by his spokesperson, Emmanuel Mwamba, who noted that Chiluba had experienced stomach pains earlier in the day but had otherwise been in good spirits. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Chiluba