He was replaced by Reverend Trevor Mwamba, an Anglican priest who had been living in Germany.
Under his leadership, UNIP significantly reduced its membership base and won hardly any parliamentary seats despite having ruled the country for 27 years.
Under Kenneth Kaunda's one party system in Zambia, UNIP accumulated a lot of wealth.
Through its company, Zambia National Holdings Limited, UNIP owned several properties.
Some UNIP members accused Tilyenji Kaunda and other leaders of selling party assets.