Frederick Chiluba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Chiluba
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| 2nd President of Zambia | |
| In office 2 November 1991 – 2 January 2002 |
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| Vice President | Levy Mwanawasa Godfrey Miyanda Christon Tembo Enoch Kavindele |
| Preceded by | Kenneth Kaunda |
| Succeeded by | Levy Mwanawasa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 April 1943 Musangu village, Mwense District, Luapula Province Northern Rhodesia |
| Died | 18 June 2011 (aged 68) Lusaka, Zambia |
| Cause of death | Heart Attack |
| Resting place | Embassy Park, Lusaka |
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Political party | MMD |
| Spouses | Vera Tembo (?–2000) Regina Mwanza (2002–2011) |
| Children | 9 |
| Profession | Trade Union official |
Frederick Jacob Titus Chiluba (born April 30, 1943 – died June 18, 2011) was an important Zambian politician. He served as the second President of Zambia from 1991 to 2002. Before becoming president, Chiluba was a strong leader in trade unions. He won the country's first multi-party presidential election in 1991. He defeated the long-time President Kenneth Kaunda. Chiluba was re-elected in 1996 for a second term.
Contents
About Frederick Chiluba
Early Life and Education
Frederick Chiluba was born in Musangu village, in Luapula Province. His parents were Jacob Titus Chiluba Nkonde and Diana Kaimba. He attended Mambilima Mbolo special school for his basic education. Later, he went to Kawambwa Boys Technical Secondary School. He was expelled from school for political activities.
After leaving school, he worked as a bus conductor. His strong personality helped him become a city councilor. He then worked as an accounts assistant at Atlas Copco in Ndola. There, he joined the National Union of Building.
Family Life
Frederick Chiluba was married twice. He had nine children with his second wife, Vera Tembo. They divorced in 2000. Vera Tembo later became a politician herself. In 2002, Chiluba married his third wife, Regina Mwanza. She was also involved in politics.
Chiluba was known for his neat appearance and fancy suits. He was also a devout born-again Christian.
Becoming a Union Leader
Chiluba became the chairman of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). In 1981, he and other union leaders were arrested. This happened after they called a large strike that affected Zambia's economy. A judge later ruled their arrest was against the law, and they were released. He continued to lead the unions successfully.
His Time as President
In 1990, Zambia allowed more than one political party. Chiluba helped create the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD). He became their candidate for president. In the 1991 election, Chiluba won by a large margin. He took office on November 2, 1991. On December 29, 1991, he declared Zambia a Christian nation. This declaration is now part of Zambia's Constitution. He won re-election for a second five-year term in 1996.
During his presidency, Chiluba tried to make some changes. He wanted to stop people with foreign parents from becoming president. This was aimed at his predecessor, Kenneth Kaunda. However, the Supreme Court confirmed Kaunda's Zambian citizenship.
In 1997, his government faced a coup attempt. Chiluba declared a state of emergency. He ordered the arrest of people suspected of being involved.
Chiluba wanted to run for a third term as president. However, he did not get enough support to change the constitution. He stepped down at the end of his term on January 2, 2002. His former vice-president, Levy Mwanawasa, became the new president.
Chiluba started as a socialist but brought in economic reforms. He worked with British Prime Minister John Major to reduce Zambia's debt. This helped Zambia manage its payments to other countries. He also started the process of privatizing ZCCM (Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines).
After Being President
After leaving office, Frederick Chiluba faced accusations of misusing public funds. He was charged with theft in 2003. Chiluba stated that the money was used for intelligence operations. Most of the charges against him were later dropped. His wife, Regina, was also arrested but later released.
In 2007, a court in the UK found him responsible for misusing money in a civil case. However, Chiluba maintained his innocence. He said the UK judgment was unfair. In 2009, he was acquitted of all criminal charges in Zambia. The judge found him not guilty.
After his acquittal, Chiluba remained involved in politics. He supported different political leaders.
His Death
Frederick Chiluba passed away on June 18, 2011, shortly after midnight. His spokesman announced his death. He had complained of stomach pains before he died.
See also
In Spanish: Frederick Chiluba para niños
- History of Church activities in Zambia
