Makai Should Know That Respect Is Not Optional in Barotseland
By Professor Namukolo Miyanda, Pan-Africanist and Governance Expert
13th July, 2026
In response to remarks by Too Proud Makai Makai, UPND Aspiring Member of Parliament for Mongu Central, let it be known that Prince Dr. Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika and Right Hon. Clement Sinyinda are free men, elders of proven stature, and they will go ahead with their heads held high to support Brian Mundubile, the aspiring presidential candidate on the NRPUP, Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance ticket in the upcoming 13th August 2026 general elections. No novice, no matter how loud, will dictate their conscience.
Makai Makai’s recent remarks against Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika and Right Hon. Clement Sinyinda are an embarrassment to Mongu Central Constituency and a direct insult to Lozi culture and heritage. One wonders where the UPND exhumed this person. Lozis are very respectful to elders, especially those who have carried the weight of this nation’s history on their shoulders. A person like Makai, who is vying for a public office, should demonstrate these qualities at all times and not wait to be reminded. Leadership in Barotseland begins with humility. It also begins with respect. Makai has shown neither.
Makai seems excited just for being adopted on the UPND ticket, thinking he has already won the MP seat. Instead of humbling himself and explaining to the people the UPND manifesto, he has chosen arrogance. He has chosen to insult elders who fought for multiparty democracy when he was still learning to tie his shoes. That is not confidence. That is political immaturity.
Let us be blunt with counsel: Makai is a novice. He should have respect for elders unlike pursuing a path that only reveals how uncultured and unschooled he has been raised within a rich heritage of Barotseland. You do not inherit Bulozi by birth alone. You earn it by conduct. You earn it by how you speak to your fathers, how you carry yourself in public, and how you honor those who paved the road you now walk on. On all three counts, Makai has failed.
Makai should remember that there is time for everything. After 31 days from today, campaigns and the election period will have elapsed. Posters will fade. Loudspeakers will go silent. But his demonstrated unacceptable personal character will stick on the minds of people of Western Province. Voters do not forget disrespect. They do not forget a man who mistakes a party adoption for a coronation. They do not forget a man who attacks elders to appear strong.
Mongu Central deserves a Member of Parliament, not a cadre drunk on adoption. It deserves a servant, not a small man trying to sound big by shouting down his betters. If Makai cannot respect Prince Dr. Akashambatwa and Hon. Sinyinda today, how will he respect a headman, a marketeer, or a widow tomorrow?
Life is how you live with others. You cannot bully your way into leadership and expect the people to follow. You cannot desecrate our culture of respect and expect to be honored at the ballot.
Makai Makai must tender an apology to the general public and the two senior citizens from Barotseland. He should not be deceived by his adoption as an aspiring member of parliament for Mongu Central Constituency because such is shortlived but bad character is infinite.
On 13th August 2026, the people of Mongu Central will choose. And they will remember who showed them respect, and who showed them contempt. Makai still has 31 days to learn what it means to be a Lozi leader. The clock is ticking, and so far, all we have seen is pride without substance.
Western Province is watching. History is recording.
