Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu has urged members of the Zambia Defence Force (ZDF) to remain non-partisan and uphold the rule of law as the country continues to safeguard peace, unity and democratic governance.
Mr Haamaundu said defence personnel have a constitutional obligation to remain professional, disciplined and loyal to the government of the day, adding that the country needs unity, dialogue and patriotism as key ingredients for maintaining national stability.
Speaking during the 50th Defence Forces Day commemorations held under the theme “Unity in Service, Strength in Form, Friendship Through Sport” held at Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka , Mr Hamaundu further called on political leaders, citizens and other stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after elections.
Mr Haamaundu said the military remains a critical pillar in promoting peace, protecting the country’s sovereignty and contributing to national development.
“The period we are in calls for unity rather than division, dialogue rather than violence and patriotism rather than political selfishness. We must all work together to preserve peace and national unity,” he said.
He noted that beyond its traditional security mandate, the Zambia Defence Force continues to play a significant role in agriculture, infrastructure development, disaster response and international peacekeeping operations.
Mr Haamaundu further paid tribute to the pioneers of the unified command structure established in 1976, describing the formation of the Zambia Defence Force as a landmark achievement that strengthened coordination among the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service.
Mr Haamaundu commended members of the defence force for their professionalism, patriotism and sacrifice in safeguarding Zambia’s sovereignty, upholding the Constitution and supporting socio-economic development.
He also encouraged defence personnel and members of the public to fully participate in the commemorative activities, stating that sport remains an effective platform for promoting unity, friendship and cohesion within the military and the wider community.
And Ministry of Defence Director of the International Military Council of Sports, Priscilla Katoba, said this year’s Defence Forces Day was being commemorated through sporting activities aimed at strengthening friendship, teamwork and camaraderie among members of the three defence services.
Col Katoba said sport remains an important component of military life and a powerful tool for fostering unity among service personnel while contributing to national sports development.
“At national level, the defence force contributes a lot of athletes and players. We are ambassadors of sport and many of our personnel represent the country in various sporting disciplines,” she said.
She explained that the sporting activities brought together teams from Green Buffaloes, Red Arrows and Eagles, with the Zambia Police Service also participating in an effort to strengthen cooperation among the country’s security wings.
Col Katoba further highlighted the growing role of women in the military, noting that their participation in the tournament reflects the defence force’s commitment to gender inclusion and equal opportunities.
She said female personnel continue to excel both within the military and on the national sporting stage, demonstrating the progress made in promoting gender equality in the defence services.
Col Katoba added that the sporting activities provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of men and women in uniform while promoting physical fitness, discipline and healthy competition.
Is a split forming ??
“Uphold the rule of law”?
Army? Why?”
Have the Police failed?