Lusaka, 18 February 2026 — Hakainde Hichilema has relieved the Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima, and the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, of their duties with immediate effect.
According to a press release issued by State House on Tuesday, the action is in accordance with Article 116 (3) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, which grants the President authority to appoint and dismiss Cabinet Ministers.
The decision marks a significant development within Government, particularly in two key sectors — health and small and medium enterprise development — which are central to Zambia’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
In the statement, President Hichilema expressed appreciation to Hon. Muchima and Hon. Mubanga for their service to the Government and the people of Zambia. He further extended his best wishes to the two leaders in their future endeavours.
State House indicated that the President will announce their successors in due course.
The announcement has generated widespread public interest, with stakeholders now awaiting further communication regarding new appointments and the strategic direction of the affected ministries.
The press release was issued by Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka at State House in Lusaka.
