The elections will mark the end of Zulu’s tenure after serving two consecutive terms. He was first elected on July 23, 2022, during the LAZ AGM in Livingstone, becoming the youngest person to hold the office since Zambia’s independence, and was later re-elected on April 27, 2024.
According to the Law Association of Zambia (General) (Amendment) Rules, the LAZ president serves a two-year term and is eligible for re-election.
Two candidates are contesting for the presidency in the 2026 LAZ Council Elections—Matildah Kaoma and Arnold Kaluba.
Kaoma, who currently serves as Vice President under Zulu, has been a member of the LAZ Council for the past eight years, bringing extensive experience in the association’s leadership.
Her challenger, Kaluba, is a Rhodes Scholar and managing partner at Arnold Kaluba and Associates. He has also lectured in law at the University of Zambia (UNZA) for over a decade. His legal expertise spans banking and finance, corporate advisory, tax, and litigation.
Kaluba has previously served on the LAZ Council, chaired the Junior Lawyers Committee, and contested for the position of Honorary Secretary in 2024.
Ahead of the elections, the two candidates squared off in a presidential debate held at LAZ House on Friday, which was broadcast live on Facebook. During the debate, Kaluba emphasised transparency, legislative reforms, and governance issues affecting the association, while Kaoma highlighted continuity, institutional strengthening, and member welfare.
The outcome of Saturday’s election will determine who succeeds Zulu and leads the lawyers’ body for the next two years, at a time when the legal profession continues to play a critical role in governance, constitutionalism, and the rule of law in Zambia.
Kaluba leave it to Kaoma. We know both of you are good.