President Hichilema reaffirms commitment to supporting traditional ceremonies

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting traditional ceremonies, describing them as vital catalysts for national unity, cultural preservation and socio‑economic advancement. President Hakainde Hichilema said his government will…

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting traditional ceremonies, describing them as vital catalysts for national unity, cultural preservation and socio‑economic advancement.

President Hakainde Hichilema said his government will continue to uphold and support traditional ceremonies for the benefit of present and future generations.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama Kangwa during this year’s celebration of the Ubushila Traditional Ceremony of Senior Chief Mununga in Chienge District.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Unity, Peace and Development — We Shape Our Future,” highlighted the essential role that cultural heritage plays in fostering national cohesion, self‑governance and rural development.

President Hichilema noted that the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded 2026 general elections demonstrated Zambia’s enduring commitment to freedom and unity.

He said his administration attaches great importance to improving the livelihoods of rural communities through decentralized development.

He cited the increase of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to K40 million per constituency as a practical step toward empowering communities to drive their own development priorities, pointing to the construction of a medium‑cost house at Kapako Primary School in Mununga as a key achievement this year.

President Hichilema outlined priority sectors under the government’s new mandate, including job creation, youth and women empowerment, health, education, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, energy, and infrastructure.

He gave particular assurance on the planned upgrade of the Kashikishi-Lunchinda road to bituminous standard, while reiterating government’s firm stance against corruption and HIV/AIDS.

President Hichilema also commended the Shila people for showcasing their unique cultural identity, values, and traditional fishing techniques, noting that such gatherings significantly boost local commerce by supporting lodges, grocery shops, and handcraft markets.

He has since appealed to all citizens, through their traditional leadership, to protect and safeguard public infrastructure against vandalism to ensure the district fully reaps the benefits of ongoing development projects.

Meanwhile Senior Chief Mununga has commended the Government for implementing decentralisation initiatives aimed at bringing development and public services closer to people in and around the chiefdom.

In a speech read on his behalf by his representative, Brian Lengwe, Chief Mununga particularly welcomed the creation of Kalungwishi and Mweru constituencies, saying the development would improve administration, bring Government services closer to the people and accelerate development in the area.

The traditional leader also commended Government for the construction of the Senior Chief’s Palace, describing it as a significant investment in the traditional institution and a demonstration of Government’s commitment to supporting traditional leadership.

 He, however, appealed for the provision of electricity to enable the royal establishment to move into the new facility and continue serving the people.

Senior Chief Mununga further appealed to the government to provide clean and reliable piped water to the chiefdom, saying access to water was essential for improving public health, sanitation and the general welfare of the community. He also called for the establishment of a skills training school for young people, proposing the former Senior High School site as a possible location.

Senior Chief Mununga said peace, unity and development were interconnected and called on traditional leaders and other stakeholders to work together in promoting peace, preserving culture and advancing development.

He said traditional leaders would continue encouraging communities, particularly the youth, to embrace initiatives that contribute to a better future.