FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lusaka, Zambia
PRESS STATEMENT BY DR. CHITALU CHILUFYA ON THE PASSING OF FORMER VICE-PRESIDENT AND ACTING PRESIDENT, DR. GUY LINDSAY SCOTT
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – July 16, 2026 — It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of national loss that I have learned of the passing of our former Republican Vice-President and Acting President, Dr. Guy Lindsay Scott, who went to be with the Lord today at the age of 82.
Having had the distinct honor and privilege of serving directly under his leadership as Deputy Minister of Health during his tenure as Vice-President, and subsequently during his historic transition as Acting President, I am deeply saddened by the exit of a towering intellectual, a fearless political strategist, and an unwavering patriot
Dr. Guy Scott’s political legacy is woven into the very fabric of modern Zambia. From his pivotal role as Minister of Agriculture in the early 1990s—where he masterfully managed the “drought of the century” to avert national famine—to co-founding the Patriotic Front (PF) alongside his close brother, the late President Michael Chilufya Sata, Dr. Scott proved that true leadership transcends race, background, or social division.
When he assumed the office of Acting President in October 2014, he steered our democracy through a tense 90-day transition with immense stability, ensuring a peaceful handover of power.
Beyond his macro-political impact, Dr. Scott was a man of deep convictions who believed in mentoring emerging leadership. On a profoundly personal note, I will forever remain indebted to him for the defining role he played in my own political trajectory. During a critical turning point, Dr. Scott played a pivotal role in my adoption as the aspirant for the Mansa Central parliamentary by-election in 2013. His decisive backing during that selection process gave me the platform to enter parliament and subsequently serve our nation at the cabinet level..
Working closely under him in the health sector provided an invaluable masterclass in governance. Under his guidance, we aggressively drove our shared vision for Universal Health Coverage, ensuring equity by bringing services closest to the people.
I fondly recall joining him in the trenches of development, such as our historic visit to North-Western Province to break ground for the Ikelenge District Hospital. Standing side by side, gripping our hoes to turn the soil, that moment symbolized our shared determination to launch vital medical infrastructure in underserved regions. Whether we were opening facilities in Samfya or monitoring milestones in far-flung rural zones, Dr. Scott demanded strict accountability, zero tolerance for corruption, and immediate results. He truly believed that no Zambian, regardless of geography, should be left behind.
Even after his time in active state office, his commitment to the welfare of Zambians never wavered. I cherish the moments spent monitoring his health and delivering national goodwill messages to his residence, during which he remained in high spirits, constantly offering wise counsel on national matters.
I commend His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, for rightly according Dr. Scott a State Funeral in honor of his monumental service to our Republic. As the nation enters this period of mourning, let us reflect on his sacrifices and celebrate a leader who stood firmly for national unity, peace, and the progress of ordinary citizens.
On behalf of my family, the people of Mansa, and indeed on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his dear wife, Dr. Charlotte Scott, his children, and the entire grieving nation.
Go well, Dr. Guy Lindsay Scott. Your legacy is securely written in the history of the land you loved and served so diligently.
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.