Longest Serving Army Commander, Gen Chisuzi Laid to Rest
By Buffalo Reporter
It was a somber moment at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross as scores of mourners gathered to bid farewell to one of Zambia’s four-star Generals, General Isaac Soda Arizona Chisuzi, who died on 10, March , 2025.
Pallbearers of Brigadier General rank, dressed in their ceremonial uniform, marched slowly following the private soldiers carrying the late Gen Chisuzi’s casket, with Chaplains from the Defence and Security Services leading the procession into the Cathedral.
The Church service was filled with profound solemnity as attendees, who included Goverment officials, former Vice President, Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba, former Cabinet Ministers, Defence Service Chiefs, former Service Chiefs, serving and retired General Grade Officers, Officers, Soldiers, church members, family, and friends, reflected on the life and legacy of a General who served his country with distinction.
General Chisuzi’s children offered touching personal anecdotes, describing him as a devoted father who loved his late wife and who alongside their late mother, created a loving and nurturing home.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Ms Elizabeth Mtonga said Gen Chisuzi was a very supportive father who always encouraged them in their various endeavors.
During homily, United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Presbyterian Bishop Lordwell Siame said Gen Chisuzi led a simple life despite having once served as Army Commander for eight years and High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia.
Bishop (Dr) Siame urged the mourners to emulate the Gen Chisuzi’s life by being humble and patriotic to the country, further imploring the family to mourn with hope and trust in God.
Colonel Priscilla Katoba, Gen Chisuzi’s family representative, described him as a welcoming man who loved everyone regardless of their background.
“Uncle Isaac loved everyone. When I joined the Army, he told me that the system was not about bootlicking to advance but about hard work,” she said.
Meanwhile, brother-in-law to the late Gen Chisuzi, Mr Chance Kabaghe, who is also former Matero Member of Parliament described Gen Chisuzi as a unique and simple man.
At Leopards Memorial Park, a dead march was done in honour of Gen Chisuzi, led by the Zambia Army Brass Band.
Service Chiefs and General Grade Officers from the Defence Force, along with senior Officers, Officers, and soldiers, marched behind the casket as the Pallbearers carried General Chisuzi to his final resting place.
The ceremonial send-off was followed by a 17-gun salute by the Artillery Salute Troop, as his casket was lowered, and a bugle was sounded to signify his final farewell.
In his tribute, first Indigenous Army Commander, Gen Kingsley Chinkuli described the late Gen Chisuzi as a military Officer who had great depth of knowledge about life, his country, and the international community.
Gen Chinkuli urged the family to celebrate and honour his legacy.
“Gen Chisuzi had strong convictions about many things.His passing is devastating, but you, his children, must accept his demise and carry on with his legacy,” he said.
Representing government, Minister of Tourism Honourable Rodney Sikumba hailed Gen Chisuzi for his contributions to the nation and his international recognition in the Hall of Fame in Bangladesh.
Gen Chisuzi’s burial date coincides with the date his wife, Mrs Rosemary Chisuzi, passed away. He has been buried next to his wife, whose tombstone was supposed to be unveiled on 15 March, 2025.
Multitudes from all walks of life among them; Minsiter of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, serving and former Service Chiefs, Attorney General, Mr Mulilo Kabesha, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Mr Maambo Haamaundu, senior government and military officials, former cabinet and provincial ministers, Ladies’ Associations and Clubs among others, attended Gen Chisuzi’s burial.
Gen Chisuzi was born on 14 September, 1951 and died on 10 March, 2025 at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka after a short illness.
He joined the Zambia Army on 06 January, 1972 and commanded it from 2002 to 2010.
Source: Zambia Army