- Stay Connected
Socialize
ADAMSON MUSHALA, Zambia’s MOST NOTORIOUS DISSENTER In HISTORY “He Gave Kenneth Kaunda Sleepless NIGHTS”
Perhaps the most notorious dissenter in the history of Zambia is the late Adamson Mushala, whose rebellion lasted from 1975 to 1982. He was initially a “UNIPist” and prior to Zambia’s independence was sent to China for guerrilla training with a view to coming back to overthrow the colonial government. But upon his return, Zambia was already independent. He then asked to be given the job of chief warden, but was turned down by the UNIP government. Mashala then joined the opposition UP out of frustration. But when the party was banned, he decided to go into exile in South Africa with a band of his followers.
His wishful dreams were diminished and he became disgruntled. He later become inspired by Jonas Savimbi’s UNITA’s activities in the pre and post independence Angola . He waged “war” against the Government of Kenneth Kaunda and actually agitated for the secession of North-Western province. Mushala carried out terrorist activities in mostly rural areas; he burnt villages, abducted women and children and “enlisted” child soldiers. He was particularly known for his magical prowess; he evaded
detection by Kaunda’s soldiers when sought for, by “disappearing in thin air”. There is even a story about him having flirted Kaunda at State house several times in his invisible state. But his days were numbered! He was tracked and gunned down by a young Zambian corporal after a tip off from one of his “wives”. The secret was for his pursuers to strip their clothes naked to find and hit their target which had turned out to be true. The “Terrorist” had gone on his routine daily activity of hunting and bee honey collecting. His body was displayed for the nation to see. There were suggestions from some members of the public to have his body cremated so that the ash remains are put in museums. The group of young soldiers who had been sent for this almost impossible mission (for such missions were normally futile, ending up in heavy casualties on the side of the Army) were honoured for having achieved this feat.
In 1975, he transformed his group into a combat force and returned to Zambia to wage a guerrilla war, which ended when he was gunned down by Zambia Army soldiers on November 26, 1982. His second-in-command, Alexander Saimbwende, took over the reins and continued the terror campaign until September 25, 1990, when he surrendered to the late Alexander Kamalondo, then a member of the Central Committee for North Western Province, and was flown to Lusaka where he was later pardoned by President Kaunda.
By the late 1980s, historic and economic forces had seriously undermined the legitimacy of Zambia’s one-party state. All the countries in the sub-continent had become independent. Namibia was free and there were signs that apartheid in South Africa would eventually come to an end. Democracy was equally taking root in Eastern Europe and communism had crumbled in the Soviet Union. The economic situation in Zambia was also deteriorating: low standards of living, lack of basic food stuffs, rising unemployment, poor social infrastructure and the rapid depreciation of the Zambian Kwacha.
On October 31, 1980, a “Mister Cheese” informed the then Director of Intelligence Services that some people at a farm in Chilanga, a few kilometres south of the capital, Lusaka, were plotting to overthrow the Zambian government. The second battalion of the Zambia Army was ordered to raid the farm. After exchanging gun-fire, eight suspects were arrested. They included State Counsel Edward Shamwana, the late Valentine Musakanya, Godwin Yoram Mumba, Anderson Kabwili Mporokoso, Thomas Mpanga Mulewa, former vice president in the Third Republic Lieutenant General Godfrey Miyanda and some Zairean citizens — Deogratis Symba, Albert Chimbalile and Laurent Kanyembu.
After a trial which lasted 11 months, trial Judge Dennis Chirwa, acquitted Lt. Gen. Miyanda and found the rest guilty. But this did nothing to change the depressing situation. The economy continued to slump while the standard of living spiralled downward. Also, the acute shortage of essential commodities, glaring nepotism and corruption continued. The price of the staple diet, mealie meal, also continued to increase steadily, while workers’ salaries stagnated.
On October 5, 1988, another group of 16 men were picked up for allegedly trying to unseat the Kaunda government. The group included late former Vice President Christon Tembo, Ex-energy minister Benjamin Mwila, High Commissioner to South Africa Colonel Bizwayo Nkunika, former ministers Bob Litana and Wilfred Wonani and former Zambia Railways managing director Emmanuel Hachipuka. Others were Peter Vundamina, Harrington Kayela Chishimba, Major Patrick Shula, Major Knight Mulenga, Major Nixon Zulu and Captain Wamulume Maimbolwa. The late John Kalenga, Donald Sadoki and Matiya Ngalande were also part of the group. Warrant Officer Christopher Chawinga and others were also picked up days later, accused of trying to rescue the group.
In May 1990, government increased the price of mealie meal, triggering a wave of riots in Lusaka and the Copperbelt. These riots seriously undermined the political atmosphere and an army lieutenant, Mwamba Luchembe, took advantage of the opportunity and announced on July 29, 1990, that the army had taken over. Three hours later, the attempted coup was crushed and Luchembe and a number of his alleged accomplices were detained. An outspoken politician, Chiko Bwalya, was also arrested for celebrating Luchembe’s coup attempt. But they were all released months later following a presidential pardon.
This coup attempt, coupled with growing public pressure, and pressure within the UNIP for democratisation somewhat rattled Kaunda, who immediately set October 17, 1990, as a referendum date to decide on whether to return to multi-party democracy or to maintain the one-party system.
At about the same time, a new political force was born. The national interim committee of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) was formed to mobilise public opinion to support the return to plural politics. In July 1990, advocates for plural politics met at the Garden House Motel, in Lusaka, to press the government to return to multi-party democracy. This saw the birth of the MMD, which comprised mostly disaffected members of the UNIP government, some trade unionists, academics and other professionals, and aimed to sensitise people on the need for a return to “full” democracy.
With clear public support in favour of the restoration of multi-party democracy, President Kaunda cancelled the referendum and instead announced constitutional changes for a return to multi-party politics. Kaunda also set October 31, 1991, as the date for multi-party elections. The MMD, led by trade unionist Frederick Chiluba, won the elections and Kaunda, in a rare act of benefaction, handed over power.
Posted by
KABZ
February 12, 2012 at 1:14 am
So what!!! Like we’d care less!!!
nkambo
November 1, 2012 at 7:46 pm
saka ya munthu
none
February 12, 2012 at 1:31 am
Tumfweko – why are you full of lies – that picture is not of the person described. I think you guys get bored over the weekend that’s when you come up with these stories.
joe
February 12, 2012 at 1:38 am
Imwe nichimuntu icho olo a zombie?
shikantwa
February 12, 2012 at 1:43 am
Mwamba Luchembe’s incident was on June 29th 1990 and not July.Please research your articles correctly.shameful
zedian
February 12, 2012 at 1:44 am
Next is ka hh, he’z envio ts & capable.
Zambian
February 12, 2012 at 1:52 am
Mushalai-his face scared the crap out of me.
50 cents
February 12, 2012 at 2:06 am
Imwe bushe nalalala lelo!Ichinso ichi awe sure fye!Zoona kwaliba eyo walpangwa kwena,youve also scared the crap out of me.Nafwa lelo ine!
honest
February 12, 2012 at 2:11 am
the dude was uuugly?
Chips
February 12, 2012 at 3:21 am
Hahaha…yeah u guys so am not tha only one that got a fright fm this picture?
Ba tumfweko wea did you unearth this article fm?Ati ‘current’vice president Christon Tembo?The man died how many years ago??You are hopeless for sure.
Bunny Lebowski
February 12, 2012 at 3:57 am
Ha Ha! Sleepless nights? Ask Kenneth about our golfing. Ad afterwards repairing to the spa. Many was the sleepless night after such shenanigans!
But my ministrations and stern tutelage certainly did improve his golf game!
Even if he did have play after one our “sleepless nights”!
Eighteen holes? Why just one kept that fellow happy!
Mp'nga Mbizi
February 12, 2012 at 4:01 am
This story is incoherent
Bunny Lebowski
February 12, 2012 at 4:07 am
Mr. Mbizi, Tafadhali kwenda nyumbani. Kondoo wako sexy ni wito wewe. Wao miss upendo wako mpole.
solidado
February 12, 2012 at 4:44 am
this is not the true picture of Adamson Mushala. Mushala had beards just like Jonas savimbi and this picture shows orange prison atire. Mushala was never in prison. Get serious you tumfweko guys.
solidado
February 12, 2012 at 4:45 am
Even the whole story is full of bulshit.
kamwendo
February 12, 2012 at 5:12 am
This is the picture of Tumfweko Editor, he misplaced Mushala’s photo!!!!!
Nalilowa
February 12, 2012 at 5:59 am
Read the Book ‘Kaunda and Mushala’ by Patrick Wele,then u will know how useless Tumfweko can be sometimes.That picture is something else.Not even close to Adamson Musanda Mushala,shame ba Tumfweko,insoni ebuuntu!
KILIMANJARO
February 12, 2012 at 6:24 am
PUT THE REAL PICTURE NOT EFI.
Bayi
February 12, 2012 at 6:40 am
what a jumbled article,in the prologue mushala dies,in the climax he resurrects in 1975 to wage war,in epilogue judge chirwa aquits miyanda….Come on guys you are embarasing your profesion!
left-eye
February 12, 2012 at 6:47 am
So what?
concerned historian
February 12, 2012 at 7:08 am
U guys pliz get serious en stop telling lairs fo crying out loud da all story is feaktexious without any element of da truth plus it is full of crap too. my fellow readers read KAUNDA AND MUSHALA by patrick wele coz da all truth is in dat book well tarbulated even correct pictures not dis one here.
solomon
February 12, 2012 at 7:25 am
please hire some trained journalist to edit your articles. you are a big embarrassment. are zambian by the way?
Dee boy
February 12, 2012 at 7:25 am
That guy is scary nga chi mona sure
kandi
February 12, 2012 at 7:57 am
eesh what an ugly guy he didn’t go for guerrilla training he just looked like a gorilla. anyway w/e RIP whitney houston
NJOTA
February 12, 2012 at 7:58 am
Mushala was selfish.
nkambo
November 1, 2012 at 7:47 pm
mwana wa doreen
Ayatollah
February 12, 2012 at 8:21 am
I remember Adamsom Mushala as a man who had long hair and always kept a beard. Even the photo that was displayed at every Police station was as I have described
KAIX
February 12, 2012 at 8:33 am
we nid more of such heroic pipo.viva mushala
old buddy
February 12, 2012 at 8:51 am
imwe at least the story takes me down memory lane.
you can’t appreciate it fully if u dint live through those times.i remember the announcement of mushala’s death & how happy mum was that day.i remember the fear that gripped us when we heard that announcement by captain solo.we thought we would be refugees.
yes there are lots of inconsistences but
its better than the post just showing us nude pictures of young night club patrons.they’d turned into vuvuzelas for pf & no one seems to forsee the danger to our democracy.
Child of the Sky
February 12, 2012 at 9:03 am
Problem is if we do not report factually, we will mislead the nation, especially the youth.
Fm
February 12, 2012 at 9:10 am
am lost I cannot get what you are trying to tell us
Yaba
February 12, 2012 at 9:47 am
Wonder why my comments are “awaiting moderation” when I have not insulted, no hyper link, etc. It’s so sad. I am out of here
Wanu Ngwee
February 12, 2012 at 9:47 am
Except for a few inaccuracies in the actual dates of some activities, (and the picture purpoted to be Mushala’s) the whole piece of writing is a good attempt to educate the young about some important facts of our political history. An impression has generally been created that Zambians very content with Kaunda’s reign throughout his 27-year rule yet this wasn’t the case. So, good effort ba Tumfweko!
nakferd
February 12, 2012 at 9:55 am
incoherent and no proper co-relation of events.indeed the picture is a threat.
clema
February 12, 2012 at 10:22 am
so what exactly is the relevance of this article?……..
Mwansa Mwape
February 12, 2012 at 10:25 am
This is a nice article though some facts do not read correct, also I do not think that is Adams photo. who can provide his photo – maybe the times who reported his death.
Lol
February 12, 2012 at 10:32 am
Antinya chikala.So damn ugly
Nachi
February 12, 2012 at 10:32 am
Mankrila of a photo!!!
WAMULOMO
February 12, 2012 at 10:52 am
Comrades, I cant really understand the whole picture of this article. What is the main subject? Mushala existed yes, but so what?
cha bebz
February 12, 2012 at 11:23 am
this is good for this generation at atleast they will try to get some senase from the nosense,in terms of education and for the seek of history its beta than nothing.
kaps
February 12, 2012 at 11:33 am
This is nices.We need more on the history of Zambia.
Thy kingdom come
February 12, 2012 at 11:43 am
I was old enough when Mushala died. I was in Solwezi when Mushala died. I saw the body of Mushala. I even know where he was buried. The picture is not for Mushala. Please do a research properly.
dot com
February 12, 2012 at 12:05 pm
ba tumfweko,u re full of shiiiiiiit
THE SAINT
February 12, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Brig Gen Miyanda not Lt Gen!
brian
February 12, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Am far from school and really need my results.wat can i do…and was mpika marked under leakage.?
Lenje 1
February 12, 2012 at 12:29 pm
I said before u a not worth reportin u just embarasin yourselves , Roches
Champi
February 12, 2012 at 12:44 pm
When the corrections come from me you bar my post. To be corrected ebuuntu. Shalande bambi nabasosa.
Roga-Roga
February 12, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Kweena even if God created man in his own image,aaaaaaahhhhh,uyu si muntu.I think dis person used to feel some pain on his uglyness.
kano nga nibo
February 12, 2012 at 12:55 pm
short of stories ba tumfweko, come to Europe and you will get all the weird stories you trying to make up..
Made in Zambia
February 12, 2012 at 12:56 pm
It’s the best confused yet amusing article, ba Tumfweko muli bakali guys. The picture is also attractive mwe
Kyenda Mabanga
February 12, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Ba Tumfweko who told you that Mr. Mushala was a notorious dissenter? Mr. Mushala was a patriot. This is what insensitive governments like the current PF reap when they throw reason and caution to the wind. Mr. Sata is playing around with the issues of land and he thinks it is child play. He is refusing to dialogue with stakeholders because he is president. He has embarked on a tribal crusade by favoring one section of the country. If another patriot like bakulumpe Ba Mushala comes up he should not be suprised.He only has himself to blame
kabova
February 12, 2012 at 2:49 pm
ATASE, TODAY YOU SHUD HAVE PUT HISTORY OF ZAMBIAN FOOTBALL TO DATE WHEN WE ARE ABOUT TO TAKE THE TROPHY..