By TROY MUKUPA
Gabriel Kaoma, also known as Mungeli, is a name synonymous with humanitarian work in Zambia. As the founder of the Gabriel Kaoma Foundation, he has been instrumental in carrying out various projects, including women and youth empowerment initiatives. His commitment to serving his community is evident in his tireless efforts to make a positive impact.
Beyond his philanthropic work, Kaoma is a renowned businessman and proprietor of Northmead Fitness Gym, one of the biggest gyms in Zambia. Professionally, he’s a certified accountant (ZiCA) with a background in business administration at diploma level from Evelyn Hone College. He also serves as a church elder and a master guide in the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church.
The Gabriel Kaoma Foundation has been at the fore-front of various humanitarian initiatives aimed at uplifting the community. The foundation has donated a 2.5-ton canter truck to the community for various services and has partnered with NGOs such as Mothers Heart Foundation, Health Literacy Zambia, and NGOCC to bridge the gap between organizations and the grassroots.
When asked about the inspiration behind starting the foundation, Kaoma explained, “I was inspired to start the foundation because I wanted to increase its reach and have a team that would help me achieve my goals of reaching various human needs. There’s a huge gap between organizations that would help people and the grassroots, and our goal as a humanitarian foundation is to bridge this gap.”
The foundation has undertaken various projects, including taking school children back to school and providing them with necessary school needs. They have also assisted vulnerable families with mealie meals, food hampers, and financial support. Additionally, they have installed water pumps at Northmead Market to support local market cooperatives.
“We have done projects in taking school children back to school, provided all the school needs for them including school shoes, books, and bags,” Kaoma said. “We have also participated in reaching out with assistance to some vulnerable families with mealie meals, various food hampers, including financial support just to help them get back on their feet.”
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to expand its reach to the Southern African region. “Our goal is to help people in need and make a meaningful difference in their lives,” Kaoma said. “For now, our immediate goal remains with our local community within Zambia.”
When asked for advice to young people interested in community development, Kaoma emphasized the importance of getting involved. “It’s crucial that they get involved, and one way is to partner with organizations that are already in existence,” he said. “We as Gabriel Kaoma Foundation are also open for partnerships.”
As Kaoma looks to the future, he has set his sights on a new challenge: becoming the ward councilor for Silwizya ward 13 in the 2026 elections. With a wealth of experience in governance activities, entrepreneurship and commitment to servant leadership, Kaoma is confident that he can bring about positive change and development to the ward.
“My interest in politics comes from a desire to see communities transformed through practical leadership,” Kaoma said. “What motivates me most is the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, through improved infrastructure, health services, and youth empowerment.”
Kaoma’s focus areas include local development, infrastructure enhancement, quality healthcare, and public safety. He plans to address these through constructing a hospital – currently nonexistent in the ward, upgrading the drainage system and road network, and building a councilor’s office for easy access to government services.
He says he will collaborate with stakeholders and local officials to ensure the community receives the support it needs. “Our vision is to build an inclusive ward where everyone has access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities,” Kaoma said.
To achieve this, he pledges open and regular communication with residents through community meetings, media engagements, social media updates, and council feedback platforms. Kaoma aims to align his ward’s development with President Hakainde Hichilema’s national vision.
With his extensive passion, vision, and community leadership, Gabriel Kaoma is confident he’s the missing piece to drive positive change and development in the ward. As Silwizya ward 13 looks to the future, one thing is certain: effective leadership will be crucial in shaping the ward’s destiny.
