Lungu was a generous, people’s President, says Archbishop Alick Banda
AS Zambia marked one year since the passing of Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, friends, family and followers yesterday gathered at Catholic Parishes in Lusaka and other parts of the country to remember his life, leadership, and legacy.
Speaking during the 13:00 hours Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka, Mass celebrant Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda dedicated the service to the late President Lungu, describing him as a generous and people-centred leader.
Archbishop Banda said Dr. Lungu was a humble, sociable, and approachable man whose leadership was rooted in service to others.
“We are grateful as we give thanks to the Lord for the life he lived, the service he accomplished, and the witness of faith that he gave — at times quietly and at times boldly — both in public and in private life,” Archbishop Banda said.
He noted that the late President was easy to relate to and always made himself available to people from all walks of life.
“One can describe the late President as a humble man — easy to relate with, generous, sociable, approachable, and available. He was the people’s President. Like many of us, he had both strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
Archbishop Banda further urged Zambians to reflect on the lessons Dr. Lungu left behind, particularly in the areas of leadership, humility, and service.
“As we remember the life of the late Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, let us not overlook the lessons he left behind — that leadership is service, true authority is rooted in humility, and genuine leaders lift up others,” said the Most Reverend Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda.
Lungu died in a South African hospital on June 5, 2025, and is yet to be buried.
©️ TV Yatu | David Kashiki | June 6, 2026.
The worst out of all the presidents we have had so far. Generous yes, in giving what was not his as gifts to family and friends. How do you describe someone who gives you a land cruiser which does not belong to him, as a gift?
Who was the owner of the 87 vehicles and source of money to build a filling station he gave to his son? And the car you received where did he get from? My interpretation: In short you saying Lungu was a criminal who used to steal and give stolen resources and give them to his friends. Why can’t you just keep quiet because the entire nation knows. And that’s the reason every Jim and Jack in PF wanted become President in order to enrich themselves. But God has a way of resolving issues. He was taken away quickly for the damage he had done
A man without principles and no brains. Did you ever ask Lungu where he was getting the money that he used to give you? Was Lungu a millionaire? He used to give because he never worked for the money he used to give out freely. People like you who can’t work hard to sustain your lifestyle will continue to cry for people like Lungu. You’re a pathetic so called man of God who has no morals and you must be ashamed of yourself.
Dr. Alick Banda, the Archbishop, should be concerned about the delayed burial of the late Sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Instead, he appears to be among the clergy who are misleading the family and fueling resentment, thereby encouraging the escalation of legal battles with the state.
The Archbishop seems more determined to oppose the UPND government and often overlooks the positive achievements the government has made. Regarding the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, no person is entirely bad; individuals may possess admirable qualities depending on the relationships they had with others. This may be the case with the relationship the Archbishop had with the late President and the PF political party.
True leadership from the Archbishop would have demonstrated reconciliation and helped ease the tension between the Lungu family and the government. Instead, he has consistently exhibited a confrontational approach and made negative statements, which should not be the case.
Fact, the archbishop would have instead put his efforts in trying to resolve the issue at hand,the burial of the late president. We are indeed a laughing stock in the entire continent.
Does the Archbishop ever stop for a moment and think about where the money came from for Lungu to sustain his generosity? I would do the same if I never worked for that money. Dr. Alick Banda, the Archbishop, I am addressing you now. Employ your energy in finding solutions to the impasse between the Government and the Lungu family please. We all know where the money Faith Musonda kept at her residence came from. As Zambians, we have chosen to move on with our daily struggles. Don’t try us ok.
Talk of Robin Hood the robber.