#post_contentJack Mwiimbu returns to Cabinet as Justice Minister amid Zambia’s growing debate over presidential term limits and possible constitutional reforms. LUSAKA — Jack Mwiimbu’s return to Cabinet as Minister of Justice has placed a veteran lawyer and long-standing ally of President Hakainde Hichilema at the centre of growing political debate over Zambia’s constitutional future. Mwiimbu’s appointment comes as calls to revisit presidential term limits continue to generate debate within political circles, with supporters of constitutional

LUSAKA — Jack Mwiimbu’s return to Cabinet as Minister of Justice has placed a veteran lawyer and long-standing ally of President Hakainde Hichilema at the centre of growing political debate over Zambia’s constitutional future.

Mwiimbu’s appointment comes as calls to revisit presidential term limits continue to generate debate within political circles, with supporters of constitutional change arguing for continuity while critics warn against altering the country’s democratic safeguards to benefit an individual leader.

For some of Hichilema’s opponents, the appointment raises questions about the direction of constitutional reform and the role the Justice Ministry could play in any future amendment process. However, no evidence has been established in the material reviewed that Mwiimbu was appointed specifically to remove the presidential term limit.

The appointment nevertheless places the ministry under a politically experienced figure at a time when constitutional questions are likely to remain a prominent issue in national debate.

From Monze Central to a new constituency

Mwiimbu’s political career stretches back to 2001, when he was elected Member of Parliament for Monze Central on the United Party for National Development (UPND) ticket. He subsequently retained the seat in the 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 elections.

Ahead of the 2026 general election, he announced his move to the newly created Monze East Constituency, describing it as his first term in the new constituency despite having represented the wider area politically for decades.

“Since they say I have overstayed in Monze Central, I will contest in the newly created Monze East Constituency. In the new constituency it will be my first term,” he said after his adoption.

The distinction is technically important: his first term in Monze East does not erase his five previous terms in Monze Central. His move also illustrates how constituency boundary changes can create new electoral seats for long-serving lawmakers.

Mwiimbu is also a lawyer who has represented the UPND in major legal disputes. During the 2016 presidential petition challenging the election result, he was among the lawyers representing the party and its presidential candidate, Hichilema.

His long association with the party and its leader gives his appointment political significance, although that relationship alone does not establish what constitutional reforms he may support.

Why the Justice Ministry matters

The Ministry of Justice occupies a central position in the preparation and handling of legislation, legal policy and constitutional reform. Any government seeking to amend the Constitution must still follow the applicable legal and parliamentary procedures.

Zambia’s constitutional debate is already active. In September, State House and the UPND sought to distance the President and the party from calls to remove the presidential term limit, saying that individual statements should not automatically be treated as official party policy.

In October, Kazungula North MP Clement Andeleki publicly argued that two presidential terms were insufficient to complete long-term development programmes. Former deputy finance minister Jonas Shakafuswa, meanwhile, warned against tailoring the Constitution around a particular individual.

Those contrasting positions underline the political sensitivity of any proposal touching presidential tenure.

Under Article 106(3) of the Constitution, a person who has twice held office as President is not eligible for election as President. Any attempt to change that provision would have to be assessed against the Constitution’s amendment requirements and the relevant safeguards.

For now, the appointment of Mwiimbu should not be treated as proof that a presidential term-limit amendment is planned. The questions facing the new minister will become clearer through the bills the government introduces, the positions it formally adopts and the legislative process it follows.

Kasune’s move and the change in Justice leadership

Mwiimbu takes over the Justice portfolio following a series of ministerial changes.

Princess Kasune was previously appointed Minister of Justice after Mulambo Haimbe was transferred to Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. In the latest changes announced on October 28, 2026, Kasune moved to Tourism while Mwiimbu was assigned Justice.

The change brings a different political and professional background to the ministry. Mwiimbu has a long record in Parliament and legal representation for the UPND, while Kasune’s tenure at Justice was part of the earlier Cabinet arrangement.

The relevant question is not simply who has replaced whom, but what legislative programme the government intends to pursue under the new minister.

Controversial bills could test the new minister

Mwiimbu is likely to face scrutiny over any major bills brought before Parliament, particularly proposals involving constitutional arrangements, electoral rules, governance and the balance of state institutions.

That scrutiny is likely to intensify if any future proposal seeks to change presidential eligibility or term limits. Such a measure would draw attention not only to its legal wording but also to the public consultation, parliamentary debate and constitutional safeguards surrounding it.

The Ministry of Justice does not, by itself, have the power to amend the Constitution. Constitutional changes must proceed through the legally prescribed process, with Parliament and other relevant institutions performing their respective roles.

For Mwiimbu, the challenge will be to demonstrate how the government’s legislative agenda aligns with constitutional principles, the rule of law and public accountability.

His appointment therefore arrives at a politically sensitive moment. Whether the new Justice Minister will oversee controversial constitutional proposals remains to be seen. What is clear is that his long-standing relationship with Hichilema, his legal background and his return to Cabinet will place his decisions under close public scrutiny.

Zambian Eye will continue to follow the government’s legislative programme and any proposed constitutional amendments as further details emerge.

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2. “There will NEVER be a third term” — UPND member warns as Hichilema term debate grows
3. HH addresses Kabwata rally, Regina pleads with Kaseba to ‘tame’ Sata for sake of peace
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