12/06/2026
*KNOW YOUR SOCIALIST PARTY CANDIDATE*
About Harriet Bwalya Mulenga Katanekwa Parliamentary Candidate for Makeni Constituency
Harriet Bwalya Mulenga Katanekwa is the Parliamentary Candidate for Makeni Constituency. With a background spanning education, public service, and active political participation, she offers a combination of professional expertise and grassroots leadership experience to serve the people of Makeni and Zambia at large.
Born and raised on the Copperbelt, Mrs Katenekwa began her academic journey at Kitwe Primary School, now Parklands School, from 1975 to 1981. She then attended Helen Kaunda Secondary School from 1982 to 1986, where she completed her Grade Twelve examinations.
After secondary school, she pursued studies in Information Technology at ZAMIM College in Lusaka. Upon completion, she joined ZCCM as a Computer Programmer, marking the start of her professional career. While working, she continued her studies and obtained both a Bachelor’s degree and later a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Mrs. Katanekwa's involvement in politics began during her secondary school years. In her senior grades, she joined the UNIP Youth Group, which brought together students from various secondary schools in Kitwe. She was inspired by the late Hon. Noel Mvula, then Member of Parliament for Nkana Constituency, whose youthful leadership sparked her early interest in public service and political participation.
While employed at ZCCM, Zambia transitioned toward multiparty democracy. During this period, she became a supporter of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), the main opposition to UNIP at the time. Her engagement deepened through interaction with the Mine Workers’ Union (MUZ), where she participated in advocacy for political change and supported the slogan “the hour has come.”
In later years, she joined the Green Ribbon Campaign against President FTJ Chiluba’s third-term bid, working with the Ndola team led by members of the UPND. This experience led her to formally join the UPND in 2000. She became part of the Copperbelt campaign team for the party’s presidential candidate, the late Anderson Kambela Mazoka, during the 2001 general elections.
Prior to the 2021 elections, Mrs. Katanekwa was appointed Secretary of the UPND National Women’s Wing. In this role, she mobilized women across the party and advocated for their welfare and increased participation in political processes.
Following the UPND’s victory in 2021, she observed a shift in the party’s governance that conflicted with her values of accountability and service. She resigned in early 2024 and joined the Peoples Pact Movement, a partner in the Tonse Alliance. She was appointed National Chairperson for Women Affairs and served on the Council of Leaders for Tonse Alliance.
At the end of 2025, the Peoples Pact Movement aligned with Dr. Fred M’membe and the Socialist Party under the Peoples Pact Initiate. Mrs. Katanekwa currently serves as one of the Vice Presidents and is the Parliamentary Candidate for Makeni Constituency. Her most recent public service role was at ZESCO, where she worked in various portfolios under the Strategy and Corporate Affairs department.
As an aspiring Member of Parliament, she is committed to transparent, people-driven leadership grounded in community needs. Her first priority upon election is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify strengths, resources, and gaps within Makeni. She aims to design and implement programs that improve living standards, create economic opportunities, and uphold safe, healthy, and quality environmental standards. Drawing on her skills in public speaking, policy analysis, negotiation, and community engagement, she seeks to represent the people of Makeni with accountability and a genuine commitment to service.
