UPND Mobilizer Yousuf Khondowe Eyes Bwacha South Seat in 2026 Polls

..he garners his strength from the grassroot 

Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) mobilizer Yousuf Khondowe has declared his intent to contest the Bwacha South parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections, positioning himself as a grassroots-driven candidate determined to translate years of party organizing into electoral victory.

Popularly known as “Mr. Shaim,” Mr. Khondowe is emerging as a familiar figure within the United Party for National Development structures in Central Province, where he has built a reputation for mobilization and community engagement.

A Grassroots political climb

Born in Petauke District, Mr. Khondowe’s journey into politics has been shaped by steady involvement at the local level.

Since joining the UPND in 2015, he has contested in multiple local government elections - first in Moomba Ward in 2016 and later in Chililalila Ward in 2017 -though both bids ended in defeat to the Patriotic Front.

Despite these losses, he remained active within party ranks, rising to serve as Constituency Vice Chairman for Administration in Bwacha between 2017 and 2021.

Building the base

Party insiders credit Mr. Khondowe with helping to rebuild UPND structures in Bwacha following earlier electoral setbacks. 

Between 2018 and 2020, he reportedly used personal resources to establish functional ward committees across all 15 wards in the constituency.

Analysts say such grassroots investment could prove critical in a constituency like Bwacha, where political loyalty is often shaped at community level.

“Candidates who have built structures on the ground tend to have an advantage, especially in competitive constituencies,” a Kabwe-based political observer noted.

Eyes on Parliament after near miss

Mr. Khondowe previously sought adoption as a parliamentary candidate in 2021 but was not selected by his party.

However, he has since remained active in provincial mobilization efforts, strengthening his profile ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Now, with the 2026 elections approaching, he is renewing his bid - this time targeting the newly defined Bwacha South seat - with a campaign anchored on what he describes as “vision, action, and results.”

Family, business and public life

Beyond politics, Mr. Khondowe is known in business and social circles, and is a father of eight children. 

He also pursued legal studies at the Zambia Open University, adding to his profile as a community leader with both grassroots and professional experience.

A test of political resilience

His renewed ambition sets the stage for what could be a closely contested race in Kabwe, as both the UPND and opposition parties prepare for a high-stakes election.

Political observers say Mr. Khondowe’s candidacy reflects a broader trend within Zambia’s - where long-serving party mobilizers are increasingly seeking elected office after years of behind-the-scenes work.

As the 2026 race takes shape, all eyes will be on whether Mr. Khondowe can convert persistence into political success - and turn past defeats into a parliamentary breakthrough.