Mayor Charles Mulenga says he is a happy civic leader especially now that three-years down the line, his vision for the tenacious and resilient mining town of Luanshya is coming to fruition.

The Mayor, who recently completed his studies and graduated with a prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Projects Management and Research, which has been added to his chain of certificate, diplomas and degrees, says from the time he entered his office up to the last day of service as a civic leader, he  has remained focused and consistently committed to giving support to the people of Luanshya, especially in the quest to transform the Town into a City by the year 2030.

Dr Mulenga, who is a middle-aged, is a father, and husband to Fridah Chungu-Mulenga, an electrical technician with a Bachelors of Art Degree in Public Administration.

How did Mayor Mulenga found himself in politics, what was his driving force behind serving the masses?

“I inspired myself to enter into politics not for personal gain, because I was very comfortable in my career at Mopani Copper Mines, FQM Kalumbila, Kruger- Viola, Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF), Zambia Sugar Company and lastly Wartsil- Ndola Energy Power Plant.

I looked at what I can contribute to develop Luanshya, because  those  time when you say I am from Luanshya, people would laugh at you, and the Central Business District (CBD) was pathetic,” Dr Mulenga said.                                                 

The City Father says his actions are driven by a burning desire to change the face Luanshya for the better throughout his five year tenure of office which started in August 2021 and ends in 2026.

“Memories of the way Luanshya was before 2021, potholes in the Town Centre, and as you drive to connect to Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway, memories of flooded bridges as one heads to Roan and people being forced to pass through the main mine plant, troubled me for some time. I am glad that we have now made some of these issues history through concerted effort,” Dr Mulenga said.

Indeed things are now changing for the better in Luanshya – After spending an hour or even a few minutes at the Mayors parlor, one leaves with   the thought that, after all occupying the Mayoral Office is not always as rosy as it looks like from afar.

One of his daily challenges among others is dealing with the wrong perception by some people, who believe the Mayor has all the resources to help them and when he fails to do as they wish, he is said to be “selfish.”

Mayor Mulenga ,is  from time to time heard urging people visiting his office to be understanding, when leaders say they also have shortcomings and limitations which including not having readily available cash or handouts.

Despite facing many challenges it is seemingly now Mayor Mulenga’s resolve to always feel secure and confident in his accomplishments and to act as a source of inspiration to his children and the young generation.

The Luanshya Mayor, is a firm believer in the maxim that,’’ education is the greatest equalizer.’’ regardless of one’s background.

In his free time Mayor Mulenga usually spends time with his family members at his small farm, volunteering in doing community work in his private capacity, and also doing part-time lecturing and attending religious meetings.

Dr Mulenga is the fourth child out of the nine children of Mr Bernard Mulenga, a retired miner, who started work in Luanshya and retired at Nchanga Copper Mines in Chingola. His mother was Anna Mutale, who was a school teacher and freedom fighter.