38th Chitimukulu installed

Henry Kanyanta Manga II has been formally installed as the 38th Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people during a ceremony witnessed by people from across all spheres of society including politicians in Mungwi district today.

Speaking after receiving the blessing from the Catholic Archbishop of Kasama Ignatius Chama who presided over the mass, the Paramount Chief Chitimukulu was reconciliatory in his speech, stating that the standoff over his recognition between the PF Government and the Bemba Royal Establishment should be left in the past.

Our staffer Lazarous Sichula reports from Mungwi that Paramount Chief Chitimukulu has however, called on President Lungu to intervene in the issue of some chiefs considered not worthy holding on to their thrones.

The traditional leader said this through his spokesperson Kasonde Kasutu.

And in response, President Lungu assured the traditional leader that he will look into the issue of the chiefs in question.
President Lungu has also assured the Bemba Chief that his government will continue supporting traditional and cultural events such as installation of chiefs because of the significant and positive role they play in unifying people.

He notes that traditional leaders are vital in the development process of the nation because they are very close to the grassroots.

President Lungu states that as a country, there is need to avoid at all costs situations that trigger disunity in Chiefdoms, but instead preach peace and unity.

He adds that cultural events are significant as they not only unify Zambians, but also remind people of their customs, norms and traditions.

The Head of State, who has presented the Chitimukulu with a generator as a congratulatory gift on his installation, has also assured him that he will end load shedding in Northern Province.

President Lungu later paid a courtesy call on the Chitimukulu at his palace before flying back to Lusaka.

Some of the notable people who attended the installation ceremony include; UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his Vice for Administration Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, People’s Party President Mike Mulongoti, MMD President Nevers Mumba, Lunte MP Felix Mutati among others.