Keypoints:
- Hichilema says his ‘mind is freer’ at private home
- Constitutional Court ruled no law forces him into State House
- Debate resurfaces ahead of Zambia’s August election
ZAMBIA President Hakainde Hichilema has defended his decision to live at his private residence rather than the official presidential palace, reigniting a debate that has followed him since he took office in 2021.
The issue resurfaced this week after the president addressed councillors and local government leaders, offering one of his clearest explanations yet for why he continues to reside at Community House instead of State House.
According to Zambia’s Lusaka Times, Hichilema said he feels more comfortable and mentally at ease in his private residence, where he has lived for years before becoming president.
Why the residence debate matters
The question of where Zambia’s president lives has sparked ongoing political discussion, court challenges, and public debate since Hichilema defeated then-incumbent Edgar Lungu in the 2021 election.
Critics argue that the president should occupy State House, the official residence and symbolic seat of executive power in Zambia. Supporters, however, note that the constitution does not require the president to live there.
The debate has resurfaced as Zambia approaches another presidential election scheduled for August, with Hichilema widely expected to seek a second term.
‘My mind is freer’
During the meeting with local government officials, Hichilema dismissed criticism of his living arrangements, describing it as ‘noise’ that does not affect how he carries out his duties.
‘I have no problem with the noise people are making,’ the president reportedly said.
He added that he finds it easier to operate from his private residence because he is more familiar with the environment.
In a light-hearted remark reported by the Lusaka Times, Hichilema said that even when ‘dreaming at night’, he could easily identify where the restroom was located in his private home — something he implied might not be the case if he lived at State House.
For him, he said, the familiarity of his surroundings helps keep his mind clear while managing the responsibilities of the presidency.
State House still used for official duties
Despite not residing there, Hichilema continues to conduct official state business at State House in Lusaka.
The complex remains the main venue for government meetings, official ceremonies, and diplomatic engagements. Visiting foreign leaders and dignitaries are also received there.
Community House, where the president lives, is located in New Kasama, an affluent neighbourhood on the outskirts of Lusaka. The residence is more than 20 kilometres away from State House, which is situated in the Bimbe area of the capital.
Court challenge previously dismissed
The president’s decision to remain at his private residence has already been challenged in court.
In 2023, Zambia’s Constitutional Court dismissed a petition filed by Sean Tembo, leader of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress party. Tembo had argued that the president’s refusal to relocate to State House violated constitutional expectations.
However, the court ruled that the case lacked merit, stating that Zambia’s constitution does not compel a president to live in the official residence.
The judgement effectively ended the legal challenge but did little to quiet the public debate surrounding the matter.
Political issue returns before elections
With Zambia preparing for another election cycle, the question of Hichilema’s residence has once again become part of the political conversation.
Opposition figures have continued to question the decision, arguing that State House carries institutional significance as the seat of the presidency.
Supporters of Hichilema counter that his choice of residence does not affect governance, noting that all official duties are still carried out from State House.
For now, the president appears unbothered by the renewed attention.
By reiterating that his private home allows him to think more clearly and perform his duties effectively, Hichilema has signalled that he has little intention of moving — even as political scrutiny intensifies ahead of the August vote.
