Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu has announced amendments to the Public Gatherings Bill after concerns were raised by members of the public over the proposed definition of a public gathering.
Speaking before Parliament adjourned sine die, Mr. Mwiimbu said the government had listened to public submissions and revised the number of people required to constitute a public gathering from three to seven under the newly passed Public Gatherings Bill of 2026.
The National Assembly has approved the Bill, which seeks to repeal and replace the Public Order Act of 1955.
Mr. Mwiimbu dismissed claims that the government was introducing a new requirement by classifying meetings of three people as public gatherings, stating that the provision already existed under the current Public Order Act.
He said the amendment followed concerns expressed by citizens and stakeholders.
“Our definition of public gathering means an assembly, meeting, procession, demonstration or event of seven or more persons convened for a political, social, religious, civic or other public purpose,” he explained.
According to Mr. Mwiimbu, the Bill was developed with input from more than 100 stakeholder organisations and aims to align public order laws with constitutional rights by replacing the permission-based system with a notification system.
He added that once assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema, the Public Gatherings Act will regulate public meetings, protests, political rallies and demonstrations.
The Public Order Act of 1955 has for many years faced criticism from opposition political parties, civil society organisations and human rights groups, who argued that it restricted freedom of assembly.
Mr. Mwiimbu said the new law would promote constitutional freedoms while also strengthening public order and accountability among law enforcement officers.
The legislation also introduces accountability measures for police officers accused of abusing their authority.
Under the proposed law, all citizens, including government officials, will be required to notify police before holding public gatherings during election periods.
However, the restrictions will not apply to meetings involving the President, Vice President, Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly, ministers, Members of Parliament, mayors and councillors carrying out official duties within their constituencies or wards.
Exemptions will also apply to public officers performing government functions, religious services held at registered places of worship, funerals, traditional ceremonies and weddings.
Indoor meetings organised by registered companies, NGOs, trade unions and political parties to discuss internal affairs are also excluded from the provisions of the law.
The legislation further excludes meetings convened for lawful State institution purposes.
However, immunity granted to presiding officers, ministers and local representatives will not apply during election campaigns, the voting period or after the dissolution of Parliament.
