MweneLubemba Chitimukulu has set up a lands commission to oversee land issues in Bemba land.
The Mwene Lubemba says it is of concern that there is an increase in unregulated sale of customary land in Bemba land the situation he said should be curbed.
The Mwene Lubemba Chitimukulu has since called for stronger oversight by the Land Commission to protect community interests and ensure sustainable development.
Speaking during the Ilamfya a high level meeting held ahead of the Kusefya Pa Ng’wena ceremony, the Mwene Lubemba Chitimukulu warned that no title deed should be issued without passing through the Land Commission, regardless of local agreements.
The Mwenelumbemba Chitimukulu has noted that the increasing demand for land partly driven by shifting water availability in surrounding areas has led to an influx of buyers and a rise in informal transactions.
He cautioned that land is increasingly being treated as a commercial commodity, even among some traditional authorities, without sufficient regard for future consequences.
“We are giving out land without fully understanding the long-term impact, we need to look to the future and ensure land is administered in the interest of our community,” he said.
He stressed the need for strict controls and accountability adding that customary land allocations should adhere to standard plot sizes, typically 30 by 50 meters, unless formally approved through the appropriate channels.
Mwenelubemba Chitimukulu further called for structured interviews and verification processes before land is allocated
“We need to be organised in the manner we allocate land, we should appoint responsible council representatives to safeguard land resources,” he said.
He has also highlighted broader development concerns in Mungwi District, and Northern Province as a whole despite its cultural importance.
He said the Lubemba area continues to face limited industrial growth, while poverty levels remain high in neighboring Muchinga Province, estimated at around 68 percent.
He stressed that each district must identify and develop its economic potential, noting that improved land governance could play a key role in unlocking growth.
He added that Plans are underway to assess all chiefdoms to strengthen land management systems and promote equitable development.
“Our goal is to leave the Lubemba kingdom in a better place, coordinated efforts between traditional leaders, councils, and government institutions are needed,” he said.
During the Ilamfya the MwineLubemba Chitimukulu announced the date for the Ukusefya Pangwena Traditional Ceremony on September 19, 2026.
The traditional leader said the date has been reached to allow for the election period first.
The government has praised the Mwenelubemba Chitimukulu for promoting the cultural heritage of the Bemba land beyond expectations.
Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri is however, concerned over growing land disputes and the lack of proper planning in Kasama.
The acting Permanent Secretary has, however, commended the traditional leadership for taking an active role in addressing land issues, describing land as a thorny matter that requires urgent and coordinated intervention.
Ms Undi Phiri warned that the illegal sale of land remains one of the biggest challenges in the province, cautioning that such practices risk leaving future generations landless.
“If we continue selling land illegally, we are disadvantaged our own children, I want to commend you, your royal highness for the efforts you are putting in to ensure land Administration is coordinated, “she said.
She has called on local authorities to play their mandated role in recommending land allocation adding that councils should verify land documentation thoroughly.
She directed councils to check for official date stamps and signatures emphasizing that valid land documents must be signed by chiefs not headpersons.
She noted that clear guidance from the Lands Commission will help the government take firmer action on the matter.
Meanwhile, Ms Undi-Phiri acknowledged that the Northern Province is increasingly becoming a key contributor to national food security, describing it as a region now feeding the nation.
She however, noted that despite the province’s contribution in the agriculture sector poverty remains visible.
She also called for increased investment in critical sectors such as tourism and mining, stating that the province holds significant untapped potential.
“We need the business community to come on board and partner with government and traditional leaders to unlock these opportunities,” she said.
Ms Undi-Phiri highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in the province, citing ongoing engagements involving the Road Development Agency around projects such as Mbesuma Bridge and Nseluka Road as key in the development of the Province.
She further called for unity among traditional leaders, warning that wrangles among chiefs hinder development.
“Disputes among traditional leaders only slow down the growth we want to see chiefs remain key partners in development, and their contribution will be hindered in case of wrangles,” she said.
And Ms Undi-Phiri also called for strengthened support toward the Kusefya Pa Ng’wena traditional ceremony noting that both Northern and Muchinga provincial administrations must work together to ensure its continued success.
So who is selling Traditional land apart from greedy Chiefs and Headmen. Traditional land transactions process starts when its endorsed by them, displacing the very people who have trusted them to hold the land in trust for them. While pocketing the sale proceeds like the land belongs to them. Remember how Chief Nkana and Bulldozer were squabbling? ACC investigation of the Chief with US$ 5 million dollars in his personal account? Why was it not forfieted to the state? Human rights na ba TI why were you quiet on the issue?