Central Province, Zambia: History
Central Province is considered the birthplace of the national movement of Zambia. The United National Independence Party (UNIP) was founded in Kabwe by Kenneth Kaunda, who later became the first President of Zambia and remained in office from 1964 to 1991. The provincial capital is Kabwe, home of the Mulungushi Rock of Authority. This is a historic site, an isolated flat-topped hill, where in 1960, UNIP met for the first time, away from the eye of the colonial administration. It is still used for political gatherings, but the open air assemblies have been replaced by a conference centre built nearby at Mulungushi University. The Mulungushi River gives its name to many historical policies, buildings and organizations. The 1968 Mulungushi Declaration proclaimed the country as a socialist nation. Mulungushi Hall in the capital is the venue for most international conventions.
As of 2013, Chisamba, before a part of Chibombo District, was declared a district on its own by the President, Michael Sata. As of 2015, Ngabwe, before a part of Kapiri Mposhi District, was declared a district on its own, with a proposal for it to become Zambia's new capital city by former infrastructure minister Lucky Mulusa.
In 2012, President Michael Sata proposed for Itezhi-Tezhi District to be moved from Southern Province to Central Province (against the wishes of the local chiefs), which eventually happened. Chitambo District was also created by splitting Serenje District in 2012 and Luano District was also created by splitting Mkushi District in 2012. President Michael Sata also created Shibuyunji District by splitting Mumbwa District in 2012 and moved Shibuyunji from Central Province to Lusaka Province that same year before President Edgar Lungu re-declared it a part of Central Province in February 2018.
Adding Chisamba District, Ngabwe District, Itezhi-Tezhi District, Luano District, Shibuyunji District & Chitambo District to the 6 districts (as of 2011) brings the total to 12 districts as of 2018. On 17 November 2021, President Hakainde Hichilema officially declared Itezhi-Tezhi District as part of Southern Province (no-longer part of Central Province), thereby returning the district to its original province, at the request of local chiefs, bringing the number of districts in Central Province down to eleven.