AN INDEPENDENT VOICE OF APPEAL TO THE BEMBA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT

AN INDEPENDENT VOICE OF APPEAL TO THE BEMBA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENTOn the Cancellation of Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena 2026By Golden Mapulanga – The DiplomatCEO, Advocacy for National Unity and Identity (ANUI) The decision by the...

AN INDEPENDENT VOICE OF APPEAL TO THE BEMBA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT

On the Cancellation of Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena 2026

By Golden Mapulanga – The Diplomat
CEO, Advocacy for National Unity and Identity (ANUI)

The decision by the Bemba Royal Establishment to cancel this year’s Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena, citing the prevailing mood in UluBemba as not conducive to joyful festivities, is undoubtedly a decision that has not been taken lightly. As an institution that carries immense traditional authority and cultural responsibility, the Bemba Royal Establishment must have considered a number of factors before arriving at this difficult decision.

As an independent voice and CEO of the Advocacy for National Unity and Identity (ANUI), however, I wish to respectfully appeal to the Bemba Royal Establishment to reconsider this decision, in the broader interest of national unity, cultural continuity and Zambia’s collective identity.

This is not an appeal intended to question or undermine the authority of the Chitimukulu. Far from it. It is an appeal made with profound respect for the Bemba Royal Establishment and for the important role traditional leadership continues to play in holding our nation together.

Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena is bigger than a ceremony

Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena is not merely a traditional gathering or a calendar event. It is part of the cultural heritage through which generations have preserved, celebrated and transmitted identity.

Traditional ceremonies such as Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena have historically provided Zambians with opportunities to encounter one another beyond political, ethnic, regional and social differences.

They remind us that while Zambia is a nation of many peoples and traditions, our diversity is not necessarily a source of division; it can be one of the strongest foundations of our national identity.

When people travel from different parts of Zambia to witness and participate in traditional ceremonies, something important happens. Communities interact. Young people learn about their heritage. Visitors appreciate cultures other than their own. Businesses benefit. Artists perform. Families reconnect. And, perhaps most importantly, the nation celebrates its diversity together.

That is why the cancellation of such a significant ceremony has implications that go beyond the Bemba-speaking community.

A moment for traditional leadership to unite, not retreat

I fully appreciate that traditional ceremonies are supposed to be occasions of joy, cultural expression and celebration. If the Royal Establishment genuinely believes that the prevailing circumstances do not permit such an atmosphere, that concern deserves to be respected.

But perhaps the difficult prevailing mood is precisely why the ceremony could become even more important.

Sometimes, when a society is anxious, divided, disappointed or uncertain, the answer is not necessarily to withdraw from spaces that bring people together.

Sometimes, the answer is to create those spaces deliberately.

Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena could provide an opportunity for reflection, reconciliation, cultural reaffirmation and national togetherness.

It could become more than a celebration.

It could become a message of unity.

Let us consider a modified ceremony

Therefore, I respectfully appeal to the Bemba Royal Establishment to consider whether the cancellation could instead be reconsidered in favour of a modified, solemn and nationally inclusive Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena.

If the concern is the prevailing mood, perhaps the nature of the programme could be adjusted.

The Royal Establishment could, for example, reduce the purely celebratory components and place greater emphasis on:

national unity and reconciliation;

preservation of Bemba heritage;

respect for Zambia’s diverse cultures;

peace and social cohesion;

the role of traditional leadership in modern Zambia;

youth participation in cultural preservation;

intergenerational transmission of values;

and dialogue on the future of Zambia’s traditional institutions.

Such an approach would demonstrate that traditional ceremonies can evolve without losing their authenticity.

The young people are watching us

One of the greatest concerns of ANUI is the growing distance between young people and their cultural heritage.

If traditional ceremonies disappear from the lives of young Zambians, we risk raising generations that know more about global popular culture than they know about their own history, traditions, values and identity.

This is not unique to the Bemba people. It is a national concern.

Therefore, Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena presents an opportunity to deliberately bring young people into the centre of cultural preservation.

Let them witness the traditions.

Let them learn the history.

Let them understand the institution of traditional leadership.

Let them appreciate that being modern does not require abandoning one’s cultural roots.

Zambia needs more bridges

Our country does not need more reasons to retreat into separate identities.

We need bridges.

We need institutions and occasions that remind us that Bemba, Chewa, Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Kaonde, Lamba, Lenje, Nsenga, Mambwe, Tumbuka and all the other peoples of Zambia can maintain their distinct cultural identities while simultaneously belonging to one Zambian nation.

That is the philosophy behind the Advocacy for National Unity and Identity (ANUI).

We believe that cultural identity and national identity should complement each other.

One does not have to disappear for the other to flourish.

An opportunity for the Bemba Royal Establishment to lead nationally

The Bemba Royal Establishment occupies a unique position in Zambia’s traditional landscape.

Consequently, any decision it makes has significance beyond the boundaries of UluBemba.

This is why I believe that reconsidering the cancellation could send a powerful message to the entire country.

Imagine if the Chitimukulu were to say, in essence:

“These may be difficult times, but precisely because they are difficult, we must come together peacefully, respectfully and as one people.”

That would be a powerful act of traditional leadership.

It would not diminish the authority of the throne.

It would enhance it.

Let us preserve the ceremony while respecting the circumstances

I am therefore not suggesting that the concerns expressed by the Royal Establishment should be ignored.

On the contrary, they should be taken seriously.

My appeal is that cancellation should not necessarily be the only option.

There may be room for consultation with stakeholders, adjustment of the programme, modification of the festivities, strengthening of security and the introduction of a stronger message of peace and unity.

If necessary, the ceremony could be transformed into a national cultural and unity gathering, while preserving its Bemba character and traditional significance.

That would turn a difficult circumstance into an opportunity.

My respectful appeal to His Royal Highness the Chitimukulu

Your Royal Highness, with the greatest respect, I appeal to you to reconsider the cancellation of Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena 2026.

I make this appeal not as a politician, not as a representative of any political party, but as an independent Zambian voice committed to national unity and identity.

The people of Zambia need their traditional institutions.

Our young people need their cultural heritage.

Our communities need opportunities to interact.

And our nation needs occasions that remind us that our diversity can be celebrated without becoming a source of division.

Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena belongs to the Bemba people, but its contribution to Zambia’s cultural tapestry belongs to all of us.

If the prevailing mood is difficult, perhaps let us use the occasion to change that mood.

If there is division, let us use culture to build bridges.

If there is uncertainty, let us use tradition to reaffirm our values.

If there is fear, let us use traditional leadership to inspire confidence.

And if there are differences among us, let us demonstrate that dialogue and unity remain possible.

Let us not allow a difficult national moment to take away one of the occasions that has historically brought Zambians together.

I therefore respectfully appeal to the Bemba Royal Establishment:

Reconsider. Consult. Modify if necessary. But, if circumstances permit, let Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena 2026 remain a platform for unity, identity, peace and cultural pride.

Zambia needs its cultures.
Zambia needs its traditions.
And above all, Zambia needs the bridges that connect us to one another.

Golden Mapulanga – The Diplomat
CEO, Advocacy for National Unity and Identity (ANUI)
Independent Voice for National Unity, Cultural Identity and Social Cohesion