MWAMBA ACCUSES HH OF TOXIC LEADERSHIP IN LUNGU BURIAL DISPUTE, CALLS FOR OPPOSITION UNITY
_*By Brian Matambo, Sandton, South Africa*_
Patriotic Front Information and Publicity Chairperson Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of fostering a toxic political climate that has blocked the dignified burial of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, deepening a 65-day standoff between the Lungu family and the Zambian government.
Speaking on Millennium TV, Mwamba said the South African court’s ruling that Lungu be buried in Zambia was flawed, arguing it ventured into matters outside its jurisdiction and ignored South African law, which he claims gives burial rights to the family. “The judge was in error,” Mwamba insisted, citing precedents and a South African cabinet position communicated to Zambia by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, affirming that burial decisions rest with the family.
Mwamba outlined the family’s position: they have always been willing to repatriate the body but demand that President Hichilema stay away from the funeral and that the remains lie in state at Lungu’s Chifwema residence until burial. He accused State House of breaking earlier agreements by inserting Hichilema into the reception and viewing programs, prompting the family to halt the process.
“This is not about refusing to bring the body home,” Mwamba said. “It is about honoring the wishes of the late president and the family. The current environment in Zambia is hostile and toxic, with UPND officials, cadres, and even the Vice President making demeaning remarks. The President has done nothing to stop it.”
He likened the proposed temporary burial in South Africa to “graves of amnesty” used historically for exiled leaders and freedom fighters, citing Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, who was buried in Guinea for two decades before being returned to his homeland.
*PF LEADERSHIP CRISIS BLAMED ON STATE INTERFERENCE*
Mwamba also accused Hichilema of engineering a leadership crisis in the Patriotic Front by supporting expelled MP Robert Chabinga as PF president. He said the government is using state institutions to withhold legal recognition from the party’s agreed leadership, a move he described as part of a wider plan to “shrink the democratic space” and weaken the opposition.
“The PF remains united in spirit despite arrests, prosecutions, and attempts to buy off MPs,” he said. “The heart of the party is still beating strongly because it is rooted in the people, not in individuals.”
*CALL FOR OPPOSITION UNITY*
Mwamba reiterated Lungu’s vision of a united opposition, noting that the late president sought to bridge alliances such as Tonse and UKA and engage leaders outside formal coalitions. He said the 2026 elections must be treated as a national rescue mission, not just a bid to unseat Hichilema.
“This is like Independence 2.0,” Mwamba said. “We need the opposition, trade unions, churches, and civil society to unite against dictatorship, economic mismanagement, and foreign-dominated policies. Without unity, we squander the opportunity before us.”
He criticized the UPND’s economic approach, accusing it of prioritizing foreign investors with tax rebates and export privileges at the expense of Zambian citizens. He also attacked governance under Hichilema, citing corruption, weakened democratic institutions, and policies that undermine Zambia’s Christian identity.
“The problem is not just the President as a person, but his leadership style,” Mwamba concluded. “If we want a Zambia of democracy, rule of law, and economic independence, we must stand together – now.”
Mr. Mwamba what is toxic about the government doing the right thing. Toxic is a word one would attribute to you. A divisive and abhorent person.
If the government is toxic, how would you describe the behaviour of Betha Lungu; Edgar Lungu’s sister? Have you addressed that? Instead you leave the elephant in the room and want to deflect (as usual). And when elected wont you be deflecting the issues that affect Zambians?
Instead of addressing you criminal cases in court you ran away leaving your sureties to face the law? How mature and responisible is that? You nothing but a two bit coward Mwamba
Mwaamba is one amidst the confusion in the Lungu family. If anyone is toxic your behaviour is. Giving ECL a buriel that he deserves is toxic? What opposition are you calling on to unite whilst you cower abroad. And you think we want you and your lot in power again. Fugitives from the law law breakers trouble makers looters etc
. No you guys will never rule our country again or should I say never ruin our country again.
All Zambian funerals with the Former Head of State or the Head of State lie In-State at Mulungushi, so this is what gonna be for every State funeral in Zambia.
Bitterness, jealous and hatrages towards HH it won’t work chikala iwe Emmanuel
Notice Emmanuel Mwamba ‘s shameless demeanor.His lie that the Lungu family has been granted stay of execution thereby stopping government from taking possession of the body has just been rebuffed by AG Kabesha
His flawed legal analysis has even misled Zayelo to be jumping up and down people ‘s heads.But Mwamba, being a wako and lonely demagogue he is simply ignores his error and easily goes to another topic like nothing has happened.Sometimes I wonder why certain print and electronic news outlets can host and listen to such a discredited fugitive
Mwamba wants HH to stop people deamining ECL and the family yet he himself cant stop himself from preading lies and propaganda against HH and the government. Hypocrite indeed.
MWAMBA, IF YOU ARE A LION AND BECAUSE OF CIRCUSTANCES, YOU END UP IN A LION PRISIDED COURT OVER TIGER ISSUES, WOULD YOU BE AT PIECE IF THE LION COURT APPLIED LION RULES OVER TIGER ISSUES OR WOULD IT BE FAIR FOR LIONS IN THEIR DELIBERATIONS TO REFER TO TIGER LAW?, BECAUSE THAT IS THE LAW UNDER WHICH YOU LIVE BY.
Toxic behavior is that of the Lungu family. Very obsessed and hysterical. What’s so special about the body of Lungu that they don’t want even high PF officials not to view. Even Mwamba himself if he went to the Lungus and asked JUST to see ECL casket he won’t be allowed. Ask yourselves WHY imwe ba supporters of this Toxic behavior…
The government should follow it to the finish. We as ns we to bury our man. Let alone viewing the body. Remember how we lined up to view Levy Patrick Mwanawasa?
We want the same with ECL at Mulungushi Conference Center Kenneth Kaunda Wing which he built.
Mwamba, you have tried to deliberately damage HH’s credibility but people have rejected your bad tactics.The good thing, the more you do that the more people feel for HH and give him more love and support.Your PF and TONSE don’t realize this fact and are fast asleep.If I was a member of your faction I would have advocated for your expulsion.You are the one who has killed PF if you don’t know.Your people will realize in the eleventh hour and it will be far late.Mark my words.HH made sure he respected ECL and his immunity, which the unwise thought he feared him.The people of Zambia appreciated HH’s approach because he didn’t want to cause people to start sympathizing with ECL so he let him very free.The toxic you are talking about is neither here nor there.You may continue with your falsehoods but you will gain nothing my friend.The TONSE must do way with you if they are clever.You are very useless man.