Adamson Mushala

Adamson Mushala
Born	1930
Died	November 26, 1982(1982-11-26) (aged 51–52) Solwezi, Zambia
Nationality	Zambian
Occupation	Politician, Rebel Leader
Known for	Leading an armed insurgency against the Zambian government
Spouse(s)	Rejoice Mushala
Children	Bert Mushala Mao Mushili

Adamson Mushala (1930 – 26 November 1982) was a Zambian politician turned rebel leader who led an armed insurgency against the government of President Kenneth Kaunda in the 1970s and early 1980s. A former member of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), Mushala became disillusioned with the political environment following Zambia's independence and turned to guerrilla warfare after being sidelined by the party leadership. His campaign of resistance lasted several years until he was killed by government forces in 1982. Despite his controversial legacy, Mushala remains a polarising figure in Zambia's history, with some viewing him as a hero of resistance against authoritarianism.

Early life and political career

Mushala hailed from Mufumbwe District in North-Western Province, Zambia. In the early 1960s, as Zambia moved towards independence, Mushala was sent for military training in anticipation of potential conflict with the British colonial authorities. However, Zambia gained independence through peaceful negotiations in 1964, and there was no need for the guerrilla tactics Mushala had been trained in.

After independence, Mushala worked at UNIP’s headquarters, Freedom House, where he was responsible for processing applications for young Zambians being sent overseas for training. According to political associate Mulondwe Muzungu, Mushala became disillusioned with his role at Freedom House, feeling sidelined by the party leadership.

In 1966, Mushala briefly ventured into business but soon returned to politics, joining the newly formed United Party (UP). The UP was an opposition party that challenged UNIP, but it was banned in 1968 after violent clashes with UNIP supporters. Mushala and other UP leaders were detained, and upon his release, Mushala became further radicalised.

Insurgency and rebel movement

In the early 1970s, following Zambia’s shift to a one-party state, Mushala retreated to the bush and began a guerrilla campaign against the Kaunda government. He led a group known as the Democratic Supreme Council (DSC), which later became the Democratic Revolution Movement (DEREMO) under the leadership of his successor, Alex Sayimbwende. The group was primarily based in the North-Western Province and the Copperbelt, and its objectives included opposing Kaunda’s one-party rule and advocating for democracy.

Mushala’s insurgency had some external support, notably from the South African apartheid regime, though this support was primarily intended to destabilise Zambia rather than overthrow its government. Mushala’s movement was notorious for its use of black magic, as well as brutal tactics such as abducting women and executing suspected informers. Despite this, Mushala’s rebellion never gained widespread support and was largely confined to remote areas.

Death and legacy

On 26 November 1982, Mushala was killed by Zambian government forces in the Kasempa area of North-Western Province. His death marked the effective end of the armed insurgency. His body was paraded at Solwezi General Hospital before being buried in an unmarked grave at Kimasala Cemetery. Mushala’s grave remains overgrown and largely forgotten, though his family has expressed plans to build a mausoleum in his honour.

Mushala’s legacy is contentious. While some remember him as a violent rebel leader, others see him as a symbol of resistance against political oppression. In 2018, Mushala’s name appeared alongside other African leaders such as Robert Mugabe and Muammar Gaddafi in a calendar celebrating "Africa’s Heroes."

See also

• History of Zambia
• Kenneth Kaunda
• United Party
• Alex Sayimbwende