UNIP was founded in October 1959 by Mainza Chona as a successor of the Zambian African National Congress (ZANC), banned earlier that year.

In the general elections, UNIP won 14 seats, in second position, the first being taken by United Federal Party (UFP).

Although Northern Rhodesian African National Congress leader Harry Nkumbula had made a secret electoral pact with the UFP, he later opted to form a government with UNIP.

[1] In 1973, the country became a one-party state with UNIP as the sole legal party, with an amended constitution being promulgated on 25 August 1973.

[1] Following changes to the constitution which effectively barred Kaunda from running for president again, UNIP boycotted the 1996 elections, although two members contested National Assembly seats.

United Party for National Development leader, Hakainde Hichilema, was the alliance's presidential candidate, finishing third.