Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with traditional leaders in promoting inclusive development, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering peace across the country.
Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri, says the Government will continue working with traditional leaders as it recognises the role that they play in promoting peace, resolving conflicts, preserving cultural values and supporting national development.
Ms Undi – Phiri notes that the Government values the contribution of the House of Chiefs and remains committed to working closely with traditional leaders in advancing sustainable development.
Acting PS was speaking during the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Chieftainess Chandamukulu of the Bemba people of Kasama yesterday.
Ms Undi-Phiri has described Chieftainess Chandamukulu’s reign as one characterized by visionary leadership.
“I congratulated you, your Royal Highness, on attaining a decade on the throne, your reign has been one characterized by visionary leadership, unity, peaceful coexistence and the preservation of cultural values,” she said.
Ms, Undi-Phiri observed that the theme for the celebration, “unity of purpose in culture values “underscores the importance of culture in shaping national identity, promoting social cohesion and strengthening communities.
She noted that the Government believes lasting national development can only be achieved where peace, unity and respect for cultural values prevail.
The Acting Permanent Secretary further said the Government remains committed to improving the livelihoods of citizens through various developmental programmes being implemented across all sectors.
She observed that the abundance of agricultural produce displayed along the roads leading to Chandamukulu Chiefdom reflected a successful 2025/2026 farming season, attributing the achievement to the hard work of farmers and Government’s timely distribution of farming inputs.
Ms Undi-Phiri added that agriculture remains the backbone of the rural economy, stating that the Government will continue implementing policies aimed at increasing productivity, improving household incomes and enhancing national food security.
She also highlighted the impact of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), revealing that the Government recently handed over K5.4 million in empowerment grants to 136 community groups and cooperatives in Lukashya and Kasama Central constituencies to support income generating activities and create employment opportunities in communities.
And Chieftainess Chandamukulu who spoke through her representative Annie Chikwanda, commended the government for implementing various development programmes that have improved the lives of people in the chiefdom.
Chieftainess Chandamukulu said the construction of a Mini Hospital, a secondary school, the implementation of the Free Education Policy, the School Feeding Programme and the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) have contributed significantly to improving access to education, healthcare and agricultural support in the Chiefdom.
The traditional leader has, however, appealed to government to address several outstanding development needs in the area, cited the construction of a bridge at Safwa Pontoon linking Kasama and Chinsali districts as one that should be prioritised,
The traditional leader also cited the establishment of a police post to improve security, the construction of additional staff houses for schools, and the Mini Hospital, the provision of more desks for primary and secondary schools, and the rehabilitation of the Kasama Mpika Road as other projects that should be prioritised.
She noted that addressing the identified projects would improve access to essential services, grow economic activities and support the overall development of the chiefdom.
The traditional leaders further expressed confidence that government and cooperating partners would continue supporting developmental initiatives for the benefit of the people.
Speaking at the same event, the Mwenelubembe Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga, praised women for their resilient and able leadership, noting that leadership comes with many challenges.
The Mwenelubemba further urged the public to pray for the Chieftainess saying the responsibility of leading people is not easy and requires strength, wisdom and God’s guidance.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Mwamba of the Bemba people of Kasama District thanked the organising committee for its dedication and support towards the successful commemoration of the anniversary.
Senior Chief Mwamba said the spirit of unity, cooperation and collective effort demonstrated by the committee is commendable and should continue in future traditional events.
