KAZEMBE LUNDA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT BANS POLITICAL REGALIA AT UMUTOMBOKO CEREMONY
The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment has issued a public announcement banning political regalia, posters and campaign messaging during this year’s Umutomboko Ceremony scheduled for 25 July 2026 in Mwansabombwe.
According to the announcement, attendees will not be allowed to wear or display political party T-shirts, caps, chitenges or any other campaign materials in order to preserve the cultural focus and unity of the traditional ceremony.
The Royal Establishment has also directed that men attending the ceremony must wear Musando, the traditional Lunda attire, while women and young girls are expected to be dressed in wrappers, including citenges or long dresses, in line with cultural traditions.
In addition, only the Mwata, his aides, Headman Toka and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) camera crew will be permitted to enter Mpembwe, the sacred defensive trench. All other attendees will be required to watch the proceedings from designated viewing areas.
The public has further been reminded to observe traditional etiquette, including greeting with “Kalombo Mwane!” accompanied by three claps and respecting sacred places such as the Muselo, the royal litter used to carry the Mwata during the Umutomboko Ceremony.
The Royal Establishment said the guidelines are intended to ensure the ceremony is celebrated with dignity, respect and in accordance with Lunda cultural traditions.