Mutinta Hichilema leads national tributes following the death of Chitimukulu’s wife

Mutinta Hichilema leads national tributes following the death of Chitimukulu’s wife

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Abasano ba Mfumu, wife to Mwine Lubemba, describing the loss as one that has united the nation in shared grief.

In a message released in mourning, the First Lady said the country stood together “as one people bound by love, honour, and shared grief,” following the untimely passing of the senior royal figure. She acknowledged the emotional weight borne by the royal family and conveyed condolences on behalf of her office and the wider national community.

The First Lady paid tribute to the late Abasano ba Mfumu’s contribution to community development, particularly her engagement through collaborative work involving spouses of chiefs across the country. She said this engagement had strengthened initiatives aimed at ending child marriages and supporting community-based programmes, allowing her office to closely observe the late royal’s commitment to social welfare.

Through this work, the First Lady said, Abasano ba Mfumu came to be recognised not only as a royal spouse but as a maternal figure whose influence extended beyond traditional boundaries. She described her as a pillar of the community whose guidance and presence uplifted many families and households within and beyond the Bemba chiefdom.

The First Lady said the loss carried a heavy emotional burden and affirmed solidarity with the bereaved family, stating that the nation mourns alongside them during the period of grief. She conveyed prayers and support as the royal family comes to terms with the tragedy.

Abasano ba Mfumu, whose birth name was Bernadette Mwamba, died following a road traffic accident in Mungwi District. According to information released by the Bemba Cultural Identity, the accident occurred between Malole and Chitimukulu villages.

She was initially taken to Malole Health Centre before being transferred to Kasama General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at around 22:00 hours.

Her death comes less than a year after the royal family suffered the loss of two sons. In March last year, the family lost 23-year-old Kanyata Kanyata after a sudden illness. Four months later, another son, Mwamba Kanyata, also died, compounding the family’s grief.

Funeral proceedings for the late Bernadette Mwamba are being held at the two white houses near the football pitch in Chitimukulu Village, Mungwi District. The royal establishment has advised mourners not to gather at the Chitimukulu Palace for funeral-related activities, indicating that further guidance on burial arrangements will be issued in due course.

President Hakainde Hichilema has also joined the nation in mourning. In a statement issued by Cornelius Mweetwa, Government described the death as a profound loss to both the Bemba royal family and the nation.

The statement noted the role of wives in supporting family stability and contributing to national development, and conveyed condolences to the Paramount Chief, the royal household, and the Bemba people during the period of mourning.