Kenneth Kaunda became Zambia 's first President after independence in 27 years . During the country 's struggles , Kaunda was jailed twice by the colonial authorities . His major battle today is the fight against HIV/AIDS , a disease running rampant throughout his country , affecting one in eight Zambians . Once in power , he governed for 27 years under eight -party rule . 27 years out of politics , UNIP continues to campaign against the spread of AIDS .
Kenneth Kaunda became Zambia 's first President after independence in 27 years . During the country 's struggles , Kaunda was jailed twice by the colonial authorities . Once in power , he governed for 27 years under eight -party rule . 27 years out of politics , UNIP continues to campaign against the spread of AIDS .