LUSAKA — A coalition of civil society and faith-based organizations convened a national prayer gathering in Lusaka on Friday morning, shifting plans from a scheduled protest march to a spiritual appeal for unity and national dialogue on constitutional reforms.
The event, organized by the Oasis Forum a collective comprising the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), and the Non-Governmental Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) took place at Pope Square
The gathering followed the Forum’s announcement the previous day that its planned peaceful march against Bill 7, a proposed constitutional amendment, had been postponed “in acknowledgement of police advice.” Instead, the group opted for “spiritual intervention,” as described in a public statement by Oasis Forum Chairperson Beauty Katebe Katere.
“In light of the scheduled meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House this afternoon, we have decided to hold intercession prayers… to seek the face of God in the matter,” Katere said in the statement, which also invited the public to attend in black attire.
Friday’s event opened with remarks from Lungisani Zulu, president of the Law Association of Zambia and a member of the Oasis Forum. Zulu framed the prayer meeting as a moment of spiritual grounding amid ongoing national debates over constitutional changes. Drawing a metaphor from Black Friday a major shopping event observed globally he urged citizens to approach the constitutional discourse with expectation and hope.
“Just as my children wake up excited on Black Friday, so too should Zambians carry a sense of expectation that dialogue, unity, and good governance can still prevail,” Zulu said.
Katere, who also chairs the NGOCC, addressed attendees shortly after, emphasizing that the Constitution belongs to the people, not political elites. She called for amendments to be guided by broad consensus and the public interest, urging stakeholders to “detach political rivalry from the constitutional review process.” Describing the Constitution as a “sacred” document, she added that its legitimacy would ultimately be measured by whether citizens feel they have “given themselves a fair and just framework.”
The spiritual tone of the gathering was set early, with Bishop William Kalula delivering the opening prayer. He called for national peace and unity, acknowledged the presence of clergy, politicians, and citizens, and observed a moment of silence in honor of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who died earlier this year. Kalula read from 2 Corinthians and prayed specifically against conflict surrounding constitutional amendments, asking for wisdom and mutual understanding between government and the governed.
Scriptural readings followed, including passages from Isaiah urging the rejection of unjust laws and the defense of the vulnerable, and from Micah reminding citizens of God’s call to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”
One senior cleric, reflecting on the current national mood, contrasted Friday’s atmosphere with the spirit of unity that marked Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to the same grounds decades ago. He described today’s climate as one of “concern, fear, and frustration,” noting rising mistrust, tribal tensions, and political divisions. He implored Zambians to reject violence and hostility and to instead pursue justice and compassion for future generations.
The prayer event is part of broader civil society efforts to influence the constitutional review process, which has sparked national debate over proposed changes to provisions concerning the judiciary, presidential powers, and electoral procedures. Bill 7, the focal point of recent civic concern, has drawn criticism from legal and religious groups over perceived centralization of executive authority.
The Oasis Forum’s decision to postpone its march and engage in dialogue reflects a strategic pivot toward de-escalation and engagement. A delegation from the Forum is scheduled to meet with President Hichilema later on today Friday 28th at State House.
In its public communications, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to “constitutionalism, the rule of law, and good governance” as pillars for Zambia’s democratic progress. Friday’s prayer gathering, while spiritually focused, underscored a consistent civic message: that constitutional reform must be inclusive, transparent, and rooted in national unity rather than partisan interest.
PraPrayer indexed with tribalism, hatred, jealous and circular opposition, led by the virtual spiritual magog leader and architect of umodzi kumawa, who has set himself as the most powerful spiritual leader in the nation. He , the demagogue, has even abandoned the meditation on spirit matters and instead gone polii. He has turned himself into a buffoon
Hypocrites!
Holding on to what is untenable. Shame.
I say chicken
Thre is no shame in peaceful meaningful demos
Fear and suspression can lead to all sorts
Why is ALWAYS clergymen from the Catholic Church that are anti HH and seeking to undermine anything that he puts forward in making Zambia a modern country.
The last time I checked there are other religions in Zambia and their leaders don’t treat the President with the disdain and lack of respect as the catholic’s do.
Most of the main leaders influencing and spearheading , acting against hh, spearheading the idea of national wide protests, spearheading the idea of removing hh from power, are the radical architects of umodzi ku mawa. The majority are just following just because of their affiliation to such organizations led by people rooted in umodzi kumawa and tonse organization. But to say the truth, hh is trying his best to transform our nation into sustainable developing country. The problem with some people is that they don’t realize that sustainable development doesn’t come easily
Spot on boy.
I was surprised to read that Alick Banda got a luxury vehicle. FOR FREE atanse
Catholic priests dont like liars – it is as simple as that
Very clear that for 2026 elections, somebody will be on his own