IT IS WITH DEEP SORROW AND A HEAVY HEART THAT WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE PASSING ON, OF THE SIXTH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, HIS EXCELLENCY MR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU, BY HIS FAMILY

WE THEREFORE WISH TO OFFICIALLY INFORM THE NATION, AND EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIDOW AND FORMER FIRST LADY, MADAM ESTHER LUNGU, THE ENTIRE LUNGU FAMILY, THE PATRIOTIC FRONT PARTY, AND ALL ITS MEMBERS DURING THIS PROFOUNDLY DIFFICULT TIME.

AS AFRICANS, AND MORE SO AS CHRISTIANS, THIS MOMENT CALLS FOR SOLEMNITY, UNITY, AND AN OUTPOURING OF LOVE AND COMPASSION.

LET US COME TOGETHER AS ONE PEOPLE, ABOVE POLITICAL AFFILIATION OR PERSONAL CONVICTION, TO HONOUR THE LIFE OF A MAN WHO ONCE HELD THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN OUR LAND.

IN THE SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM AND NATIONAL SOLIDARITY, WE URGE ALL CITIZENS TO OFFER SUPPORT AND RESPECT TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY, AND TO UPHOLD THE VALUES OF PEACE, DIGNITY, AND TOGETHERNESS THAT DEFINE US AS ZAMBIANS.

ORIGINAL SIGNED,

HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

ZAMBIA MOURNS FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU AS DR. M’MEMBE PAYS TRIBUTE

Lusaka… Thursday June 5, 2025 – Zambia mourns the passing of Sixth Republican President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, with tributes pouring in from across the political divide.

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In a heartfelt message, Socialist Party (SP) President Dr Fred M’membe has extended his deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family and the nation at large.

Dr M’membe stated that his thoughts were with Mrs Esther Lungu, the Lungu family, and friends of the late former President.

He also extended his condolences to the leadership and members of the Patriotic Front, as well as all those who cherished Mr Lungu.

Speaking in solemn reflection, Dr M’membe said he was observing the moment in silence, sorrow, and deep reflection, joining the family, friends, and the wider political community in mourning the late leader.

He described Mr Lungu as a brother and a friend he had known for 47 years, recalling how they affectionately referred to each other as “Mwana,” a term that held deep personal significance for them.

Dr M’membe revealed that despite enduring complicated political differences and fallouts over the years, they were guided by the bond of close brotherhood and friendship, which always inspired reconciliation.

Reflecting on Mr Lungu’s personal qualities, Dr M’membe remarked that the former President never allowed the title “His Excellency” to change their relationship.

He praised Mr Lungu’s simplicity and humility, describing them as traits he deeply admired.

“He was a leader who carried himself with humility,” Dr M’membe noted, adding that this down-to-earth attitude made Mr Lungu widely respected and accepted by many Zambians.

Calling on the nation to honour Mr Lungu’s legacy, Dr M’membe urged citizens to not only mourn his passing but to also carry forward the aspirations of the people whom Mr Lungu served.

He highlighted Mr Lungu’s recent return from political retirement, saying it was driven by a desire to unite the opposition.

Dr M’membe called on the country to honour that vision by striving for unity across political and social lines.

He concluded his tribute by praying for strength and fortitude for the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the entire nation during a period of great difficulty and pain.

“May Mr Lungu’s Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!”

He writes:

At this moment, the deepest of my  thoughts, sympathy, and condolences are with Mrs Esther Lungu,  the family and friends of His Excellency, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

I also extend my sympathy and condolences to the leadership and members of the Patriotic Front, and to all those who loved and cherished Mr Lungu.

Today, I recline in deep silence, reflection, and sorrow as I join Mrs Lungu and family, friends, and the wider political family of Mr Lungu, and indeed, the whole nation in mourning the passing of Mr Lungu, the Sixth President of our country.

Mr Lungu was a brother and a friend whom I have known for the last 47 years. We always referred to each other as ‘Mwana’ – whatever that means or meant.

Even amidst very complicated political differences and fallouts, we remained guided by the reality that we were once very close brothers and very good friends, hence the desire to reconcile.

Despite his great political achievements, when we met, he still remained the same ‘Mwana’ – ‘not His Excellency’ to me. This simplicity and humility is a trait  I greatly admire in him.

He never allowed ‘His Excellency’ to destroy who we were to each other and change the way we addressed each other or related to each other over the many years of knowing each other.

Mr Lungu was a leader who carried himself with humility. His down-to-earth attitude made him more acceptable to many of our people.

As a nation, I pray that as we mourn this immense loss, let us also honour Mr Lungu’s memory not only in words, but in the way we carry forward the aspirations of the masses of our people, a people he was privileged to lead.

Mr Lungu’s declared intention for coming out of political retirement was to unite the opposition. Let’s honour him by uniting our political and social struggles and ultimately our whole nation.

May God grant the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the whole nation fortitude and strength during this period of great difficulty and pain.

May Mr Lungu’s Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

UPND DISMISSES KEVIN FUBE’S LEGAL THREATS AS “LAUGHABLE AND MISGUIDED”

Lusaka, June 5, 2025 — The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has come out strongly against Independent Member of Parliament Kevin Fube’s threat to take legal action over the constitution amendment process, describing his move as “laughable, misguided, and an abuse of court process.”

UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe issued a statement on Wednesday, responding to Mr. Fube’s 14-day ultimatum to the Attorney General to halt the ongoing Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 or face court action.

“No court has the authority to stop a constitution-making process that is grounded in law,” Mr. Simuuwe said. “Mr. Fube’s threats are not only premature but verge on an abuse of the judicial process.”

Mr. Simuuwe defended the government’s position, citing Article 62 of the Constitution, which vests legislative powers in Parliament, including the authority to amend the Constitution.

“Parliament cannot be barred from fulfilling its legislative responsibilities. That authority is clearly outlined in the Constitution. Any attempt to interfere with that process through the courts is not only futile but has already been rejected by precedent,” Mr. Simuuwe added.
He further challenged Fube to provide legal clarity on the basis of his threat.

“We urge Mr. Fube to cite the specific constitutional provision or piece of legislation he believes the Executive has violated. So far, he has offered no legal grounding for his claims, which remain baseless and politically motivated,” said Mr. Simuuwe.

The UPND emphasized that past attempts to block constitutional processes through the courts have been dismissed as frivolous and without merit, reinforcing the position that Parliament’s authority in this area is well established.

While acknowledging Fube’s right to approach the courts, the ruling party accused him of misusing the legal system for political theatre.

“This constitution-making process is being conducted within the bounds of the law. Misguided legal threats will not derail a reform agenda backed by the will of the people and the framework of the Constitution,” Mr. Simuuwe stated.

© UPND Media Team
Ministry of Information and Media – Zambia
UPND Zambia
WAGON MEDIA
Mark Simuuwe

President Hichilema to Continue Acts of Giving Anchored on Love, Unity and Dignity

With regard to the reported donation to the Catholic Diocese of Mansa, I wish to clarify that His Excellency, the Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, receives numerous requests for support and donations from various communities and institutions across the country.

Each of these requests is carefully evaluated to ensure they align with the values of integrity, compassion, unity, and genuine support for humanity.

President Hichilema has always been a giver, long before entering political life, throughout his time in opposition, and now as Head of State.

His philanthropic efforts have consistently transcended political, religious, and regional boundaries, extending support to Christian missions, other faith-based institutions, orphanages, schools, health centres, and underprivileged communities across Zambia.

The President, alongside his family, supports hundreds of orphans and vulnerable youths from disadvantaged backgrounds. He often chooses to do this quietly and privately, unless public acknowledgment is at the express wish of the recipient.

Let it be reaffirmed that President Hichilema remains deeply committed to acts of giving, not for political mileage, but as a heartfelt expression of solidarity with fellow human beings. However, such acts are also conducted in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and transparency.

The President’s philosophy of giving is rooted in his belief in love, unity, human dignity, dialogue, and mutual respect. He regrets instances where gestures of goodwill extended to needy communities are interpreted through narrow political lenses by some of his political colleagues.

It is his firm conviction that gifts, whether material or spiritual, are meant to uplift, unite, and inspire hope, not divide or breed suspicion.

He continues to call upon all Zambians to transcend artificial divisions and embrace a spirit of brotherhood, cooperation, and national service. As he often affirms, what binds us together is far greater than what sets us apart, and Christ remains the greatest gift to humankind.

Finally, President Hichilema continues holding the Catholic Church in the highest regard and will always respect and value its guidance, particularly on matters of social justice, equity, and the common good. The Church remains a vital partner in building a just and compassionate society.

Clayson Hamasaka,
Communications Specialist,
State House.

ENGINEERS DEMAND CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION: EIZ PRESIDENT FIRES WARNING SHOT AT BILL 7 DRAFTERS

In a no-holds-barred public statement, the President of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ), Eng. Wesley Wyman Kaluba, has launched a direct challenge to the drafters of Bill 7, calling for the immediate constitutional recognition of engineering, science, and innovation.

Representing over 95,000 engineering professionals nationwide, Kaluba warned that Zambia will continue to underperform developmentally if it continues to marginalize its technical workforce.

Kaluba accused successive governments of treating engineering as an afterthought, despite the fact that engineers are central to nearly every pillar of national development from infrastructure and energy to water, telecommunications, and health systems. He described the Constitution as a “national blueprint” that currently sends the wrong message to the youth by prioritizing law, politics, and economics while excluding science and innovation.

“We have constitutional offices for economic planning, legal affairs, and communications. But not for engineering, science, or innovation. Does that not contradict logic and national interest?” he asked. Kaluba warned that this systemic exclusion is more than symbolic; it’s a barrier to industrialization, modernization, and the achievement of long-term development goals.

In a pointed revelation, Kaluba disclosed that EIZ has formally submitted proposals to the government for more than 40 years advocating for the creation of senior advisory roles such as a Chief Technical Advisor on Engineering, Innovation, and Industrialization at State House. However, he said these appeals have been met with silence or dismissal, reflecting a dangerous underestimation of the country’s own technical capacity.

The EIZ President proposed six constitutional reforms, including the creation of a constitutional office for engineering, legal provisions for local engineering input in public procurement, and guaranteed public investment in technical education.

He further demanded mandatory inclusion of engineers in national planning bodies and engineering audits for all major projects. These reforms, Kaluba argued, would not only safeguard public interest but also help develop local content and protect Zambian professionals from being sidelined in favor of foreign contractors.

“These proposals are not radical,” Kaluba said. “Rwanda, Kenya, and Ghana are already implementing similar models, and they are seeing measurable developmental results. Why is Zambia still lagging behind?” He emphasized that unless the Constitution itself protects engineering and innovation, the country will remain stuck in a cycle of dependence and missed opportunities.

Kaluba’s intervention comes at a critical time, as the Ministry of Justice and various stakeholders finalize consultations on Bill 7. He urged them to shift their perspective and see the Constitution not merely as a legal framework, but as a developmental instrument that should empower those who are trained to build the nation literally and structurally.

This bold and unfiltered message marks a rare moment of political assertion by the engineering profession in Zambia. It signals a new era where engineers are no longer content to remain in the background while decisions affecting national development are made without their expertise. It also places fresh pressure on lawmakers to rethink what a truly inclusive, future-facing Constitution should look like.

June 5, 2025
©️ KUMWESU

Refusing Gehazi’s Path: How the Mansa Diocese Preserved the Altar

By Dr Mwelwa

When the altar is approached with gifts wrapped in political allegiance, the Church must decide: will it speak like Elisha, or grab like Gehazi?

In recent days, the Diocese of Mansa stood at such a crossroads. A fundraising event for the Lubwe Mission, meant to celebrate 120 years of Catholic presence in Zambia, found itself surrounded not just by parishioners but by politicians—with cameras rolling, promises made, and donations pledged in broad daylight. K800,000 from the President. 200 bags of mealie meal and two cows from a campaigning minister. A celebration turned into a spectacle. Yet, unlike many others who have stumbled under similar circumstances, the Catholic leadership did not flinch.

The Bishop, Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga, had warned his parish priest beforehand: clarity must be established before mixing the sacred with the strategic. The event, however, proceeded without his consent—and the response was firm. Not out of hostility, but from conviction. Not out of ingratitude, but from a deep understanding that once the Church begins accepting silver and garments in exchange for silence or public relations, it has stepped into the shadow of Gehazi.

For was it not Gehazi who, unable to resist the shimmer of Naaman’s riches, ran behind Elisha’s back to accept what the prophet had rejected? And was it not Gehazi who, for this act of opportunism, was struck with the very leprosy that Elisha had healed?

The Diocese of Mansa has done what many in the Evangelical and Pentecostal circles have failed to do: uphold the altar above the offering. In a time when pastors lift placards for politicians during worship, when CDF directives masquerade as benevolence, and when silence is traded for subsidies, the Catholic Church in Mansa reminds us that not every gift is a blessing, and not every donor is sent by God.

This is not a declaration of moral superiority. It is a demonstration of spiritual sobriety.

What distinguishes this act is not simply the refusal of funds, but the deeper theological statement it makes: the Church must not be seen to endorse any political grouping by the manner in which it receives or recognizes gifts. Generosity becomes manipulation the moment it’s publicized at a campaign event. And when churches participate, knowingly or otherwise, they become not only recipients of aid but instruments of propaganda.

This is the same danger we raised earlier regarding the Dorcas Mothers. When church groups are lifted in political directives, praised in partisan spaces, and then receive targeted funds, it ceases to be ministry—it becomes machinery. But unlike those who stood silently when their altars were turned into platforms, the Diocese of Mansa has drawn a line.

They did not dishonor the office of the President. They did not curse the giver. But they reminded all Zambians—and especially the body of Christ—that the prophetic voice is not for hire.

This, then, is a call to every denomination: be it evangelical, charismatic, Reformed, or Catholic. We must revisit the words of Ellen G. White who warned that even the slightest union between church and state, “while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world.”

Today, the Diocese of Mansa refused the path of Gehazi. The question now is, will the rest of us?

Will we continue lifting holy hands on Sunday and political placards on Saturday? Will we continue praying for rain while refusing to build boreholes, celebrating donations while our silence sanctifies tribalism, injustice, and repression?

Or will we, like Elisha, say: “As surely as the Lord lives, I will not accept it,” and keep the Church untangled from the snares of statecraft?

The Catholic Church in Mansa has given us an example. Not perfect, but principled. And in this hour, principles are worth more than promises.

KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS FROM UPND’S RESPONSE TO LAZ ON CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT BILL NO. 7 OF 2025

We Respect LAZ opinion on Bill 7 of 2025.

The UPND acknowledges LAZ’s contribution to Zambia’s law development discourse but disagrees with its claims regarding lack of consultation for the following reasons :

1. Bill No. 7 Originates from the constitution mandate derived from the people of Zambia under article (61) of the constitution of Zambia , and the power conferred on the legislative organ or parliament under article (62) as read together with article (79) of the constitution of Zambia, which vests the power to alter the constitution in parliament.

The challenge we have with the LAZ statement is that they have no legal basis which involves quoting the law to advance their argument for government to go by their proposal except only quoting the theories of law which cannot extinguish the provisions under article (79).

2. Gazetting is part of constitutionally approved process enshrined in article (79) of the constitution of Zambia , where the alteration of the constitution is concerned. The process announced by the Minister of Justice has a platform of stakeholders making submissions and LAZ have deliberately opted to bury their head in the sand .

3. The other thing that LAZ is failing to tell Zambians is whether there is a law that has been breached by the executive ; certainly not a single one has been broken and we challenge them to cite one ;

4. LAZ should realize that the compelling clause which required citizens to vote and approve the clauses they wanted when making the constitution was repealed in 1969 ; this  was a referendum clause .

What LAZ is relying on is a theory which is not binding as far as our laws are concerned .

What is currently binding to include citizens is the referendum for the bill of rights amendment. This referendum  applicable only to the bill of rights amendments .

This said , it meant that power to alter is conferred on the legislative organ . This is the procedure governing the process today .

Notwithstanding their argument, government has assured citizens of the stage of stakeholders submissions which submissions will be considered upon recommendation to parliament by the select committee; while we acknowledge that parliament is not bound to accept the recommendations from the committee, even the Constitution Review Commissions that Zambia has held before were not an end in themselves and they were subjected to the same process .

Lastly , currently , there is no law which compels parliament to accept recommendations from the committee.

We therefore take the submissions from LAZ as good concerns for the future to help us amend the constitution so that it aligns to support the LAZ submissions of today .

Right now , LAZ submissions are mere legal opinions. If we want to take the route being proposed by LAZ and a few stakeholders, we need to amend the constitution to include their concerns .

In the time being , no law has been breached . We urge LAZ to also educate those who can’t read on the content of the bill than wasting time making political overtones .

LAZ plays a critical role in law reform as such , as much as they disagree with the process , they have the responsibility to inform members of the public on the content of the document rather than throwing away the whole document which has progressive proposals .

©️ UPND Media Team

The ruling party’s politicisation of Kulima Tower Bus Station in Lusaka is bad for the local governance of our country.

Peaceful political activities or not must be kept out of the bus stations. What was bad for the PF, must not be tolerated by the UPND.

Bus stations are public places used by civilians, most of them not politically inclined or charged. Public spaces must be neutral.

I urge the drivers from kulima tower bus station who are UPND charged to do their political activities away from the bus stations.

UPND cadres have already established a bus station at heroes stadium. Surely we cannot afford as Nation to turn public spaces into political zones. This is unacceptable.

President Hichilema and the UPND leadership must walk the talk and show leadership and stop this according to their pronouncements.

Ruling or opposition party, political activities in bus stations and markets remain repugnant to the majority Zambians. Sanity must be restored.

Silavwe Jackson
President
GPZ.
05|06|25

THE BATTLE FOR ZAMBIA BEGINS AT THE GRASSROOTS

By Augustine Mwewa

Bahati Constituency aspiring candidate

Every five years, Zambia stands at a crossroads. Millions of citizens walk to polling stations with one powerful tool in their hands a vote. But behind every vote is a battle: a battle for hearts, for trust, for vision, and most importantly for strategy.

Winning an election in Zambia is not a game of chance. It is a test of national presence, preparation, and purpose.

The Candidate: More Than a Name
To win the presidency, a candidate must be more than popular they must be a symbol of national unity. Known in all 116 districts, they must speak the language of the people not just linguistically, but emotionally, culturally, and politically.

Zambians want a leader they can identify with; someone who represents all provinces, all tribes, and all classes. A leader with vision, integrity, and a track record of service not just promises

The Party: Not Just a Name, but a Network
To take power, your political party must show strength on the ground. That means fielding candidates in all 156 constituencies across the country, including:

Members of Parliament

Ward Councilors

Council Chairpersons

Mayors

This is not about filling names on a form. It’s about building a living, breathing network of loyal, energized representatives ready to carry the party’s message door to door, market to market, village to village.

The Watchers: Defending Democracy, One Vote at a Time
Even the strongest candidate and party can fall short if votes are not protected. That’s why polling agents are the unsung heroes of every election.

To win, you must place trained, alert, and loyal polling agents in every single polling station from the heart of Lusaka to the farthest corners of Shangombo. These men and women will stand guard over the people’s will, ensuring that every vote is counted and every result is fair.

The Formula for Victory
A presidential candidate with national appeal

A full slate of candidates in all constituencies and wards

Polling agents in every polling station to defend your vote

The Call to Action
Elections are not won on social media. They are won in villages, compounds, churches, bus stops, farms, markets, and town halls. If we want to lead Zambia, we must first walk with Zambia.

This is the time to organize, mobilize, and energize. The road to State House is not paved with slogans it is built with structure, sacrifice, and strategy.

Let’s not just run. Let’s run to win. Zambia is waiting.