An Archbishop’s  Long Walk to D.E.C, may be A wrong Walk to 2026 Polls for UPND

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Dr Alick Banda, is currently being interviewed by the Drug Enforcement Commission in a development that has rapidly evolved into a defining political moment rather than a routine investigative appearance.

The Archbishop arrived at DEC premises accompanied by his legal team, including lawyers Jonas Zimba, Lungisani Zulu, and John Sangwa, all of whom were seen being granted access by police officers stationed at the entrance. Security around the premises was visibly tightened as the interview commenced.

Outside the offices, police restricted access to several political figures who had converged at the scene. Among those blocked were Socialist Party leader Dr Fred M’membe and Patriotic Front acting president Given Lubinda. Their exclusion, juxtaposed with the controlled entry of the Archbishop’s lawyers, heightened public attention and reinforced the sense that the proceedings carried broader political significance.

The mood around the DEC offices is sober but electric. While no public disorder was recorded, the atmosphere reflected a nation acutely aware that the moment may resonate far beyond the confines of a single investigation. For many Zambians watching closely, the Archbishop’s walk into DEC has taken on symbolic weight, interpreted by some as a “Long Walk to DEC” and by others as a potentially consequential “Wrong Walk to the Polls 2026 for the UPND Government.”

At the heart of the matter is a motor vehicle linked to Archbishop Banda, around which sharply competing narratives have emerged. Claims circulating in public discourse suggest that the vehicle was donated by the Zambia Revenue Authority or the government, allegations that have been strongly disputed.

A zambian Hopewell Chin’ono has publicly rejected those claims, stating that available documentation points to a private transaction rather than a state donation. According to Chin’ono, the vehicle was acquired through a Zambia Revenue Authority auction by a private individual, Mulopa Kaunda, acting in his personal capacity. He has stated that Kaunda later donated the vehicle to Archbishop Banda, who subsequently registered it in his own name.

Chin’ono has further indicated that a receipt of sale and a gate pass authorising the release of the vehicle after payment by Kaunda have been made public. The gate pass, issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority, is said to confirm that the vehicle was released following a completed auction process, contradicting assertions that it originated as a government or institutional gift.

Despite these explanations, the issue has expanded beyond the vehicle itself, becoming entangled in wider political and institutional tensions. Figures aligned with the ruling party have portrayed Archbishop Banda as sympathetic to former president Edgar Lungu. At the same time, voices within the Catholic Church have accused President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration of targeting or persecuting the Archbishop.

These accusations are closely linked to Archbishop Banda’s past criticism of the administration and his opposition to recently enacted constitutional changes. The changes include proposals affecting constituency delimitation, an increase in parliamentary seats by 113, and the removal of term limits for mayors.

As a result, what began as a question surrounding the ownership and disposal of a vehicle has shifted into a broader national moment touching on church-state relations, the exercise of law enforcement authority, and political tolerance. some citizens argue that facts have been eclipsed by partisan positioning, while defenders of the process insist that the law must apply without exception.

Yet for a significant section of the public, today’s developments are being assessed less through legal technicalities and more through their political consequences. With the 2026 general elections approaching, many Zambians are weighing how such moments shape trust in institutions, the political climate, and the perceived neutrality of the state.

As Archbishop Banda’s interview continues, the country watches closely. Whether this moment is remembered as a necessary step in upholding accountability or as a misjudged escalation with electoral consequences may ultimately be decided not at DEC, but at the ballot box.

Minister says DEC summons targets individual, not the Catholic Church

Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu has rejected claims that the government is targeting the Catholic Church, saying the summoning of the Archbishop of Lusaka by the Drug Enforcement Commission is a routine law-enforcement process directed at an individual and not at the church as an institution.

Briefing the media, Mwiimbu said there was no motive for the state to target the Catholic Church, stressing that he himself is a Catholic and a law-abiding citizen. He said suggestions that the government is hostile to the church are unfounded and do not reflect the actions or intentions of the state.

The minister said appearances before law-enforcement agencies by prominent public figures are not new in Zambia and should not be interpreted as persecution. He cited past examples of senior national leaders who had been called to account by law-enforcement bodies, including former presidents Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda and the current Head of State, Hakainde Hichilema, who appeared before the police on several occasions before assuming office.

Mwiimbu said the fact that a prominent individual is summoned by a law-enforcement agency should not be treated as unusual or alarming, adding that such processes are part of the country’s accountability framework. He said this applied equally to church leaders, noting that the Archbishop of Lusaka is not the first senior church figure to appear before law-enforcement agencies, either in Zambia or elsewhere.

According to the minister, when individuals holding leadership positions in churches are called to account, they do so in their personal capacities and not on behalf of their institutions. He said accountability in such cases has nothing to do with targeting a church and should not be presented as such.

Mwiimbu said the government remains committed to upholding and respecting the rights of all individuals. He added that when any individual is suspected of having breached the law, they are required to account for their actions in accordance with legal procedures, regardless of their position or standing in society.

Addressing concerns surrounding the scheduled appearance of Archbishop Banda, the minister said the call-out by the Drug Enforcement Commission is a routine process applied to anyone accused of violating the law. He stressed that the summons does not imply guilt and should not be interpreted as a judgment on the Archbishop.

He said the purpose of the appearance is for the commission to hear the Archbishop’s side of the story so that the matter can be concluded. Mwiimbu said it was therefore unfair for anyone to suggest that the government is targeting the Catholic Church, when the issue concerns an individual responding to allegations.

The minister also referred to international examples where senior Catholic clergy have faced legal processes, including cases involving bishops and cardinals outside Zambia. He said such actions do not amount to churches targeting themselves but reflect the principle that individuals are answerable in their personal capacities.

Mwiimbu further assured the nation that the government has no intention of interfering with a prayer meeting called in support of the Archbishop. He said the church would freely exercise its right to pray and that no one would interfere with religious activities.

He said the police would only provide the necessary security arrangements to ensure public order and national safety, stressing that maintaining peace and stability remains the responsibility of the state. Mwiimbu thanked members of the public for their orderly conduct during the festive period and said the security situation in the country remained stable.

The minister also said the government is open to dialogue with the church on issues of national interest. He said the President had received a proposal for dialogue from the church and looked forward to engagement, in line with the government’s position that dialogue remains the appropriate way to address national concerns.

Responding to questions from journalists, Mwiimbu reflected on past incidents when President Hichilema was summoned by the police while in opposition. He said previous administrations had insisted that the President could not appear before law-enforcement agencies accompanied by supporters, citing legal and regulatory provisions.

He recalled instances where opposition supporters were dispersed when they accompanied the President to police appearances, including the use of tear gas. Mwiimbu said the law had been clear on the issue of escorts and gatherings around police call-outs, and that these principles continued to guide the conduct of law-enforcement agencies.

He said the government’s position remains that accountability processes should proceed in an orderly manner, without creating situations that could compromise public safety. Mwiimbu said the police would act within the law and provide security as required, while ensuring that individual rights are respected.

The minister said he briefed the nation to clarify the government’s position, calm public anxiety and address what he described as misplaced fears that the state was acting against the Catholic Church. He said the government remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting constitutional rights and engaging stakeholders through dialogue.

Zambia Must Prosper leader Kelvin Fube Bwalya has raised legal, constitutional, and ecclesiastical objections to the Drug Enforcement Commission’s decision to summon Archbishop of Lusaka Alick Banda, arguing that the move reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of both criminal law and church governance.

Speaking during a public address delivered while on holiday, Kelvin Fube Bwalya, acting in his capacity as leader of Zambia Must Prosper, described the summons as a matter of national concern requiring clarity rather than conjecture. He confirmed that the Archbishop had been summoned by the DEC in connection with alleged money laundering and questioned the legal basis upon which the inquiry had been framed.

Kelvin Fube Bwalya anchored his remarks in the broader framework of constitutional democracy, stating that Zambia’s governance system is premised on the rule of law, good governance, and moral justice. He argued that leadership in a democratic society should be exercised through service and discernment, not through actions that may be perceived as intimidation or public embarrassment.

Addressing the structure of law enforcement in Zambia, Zambia Must Prosper stated that institutions such as the DEC, the Zambia Police Service, and the Anti-Corruption Commission operate under statutory arrangements that place them within executive oversight. According to Kelvin Fube Bwalya, this framework makes it implausible for an action of such public significance to occur without awareness at the highest levels of government.

The Zambia Must Prosper leader then turned to the governance structure of the Catholic Church, outlining that archbishops are appointed by the Vatican and report through established ecclesiastical and diplomatic channels. He argued that summoning an Archbishop carries implications beyond the individual cleric and touches on institutional relationships that require careful handling.

Central to the objection raised by Zambia Must Prosper was the issue of church donations. Kelvin Fube Bwalya explained that churches receive financial and material support from congregants and benefactors under strict principles of confidentiality. He noted that Catholic clergy are bound by moral and ethical obligations not to disclose donor identities, likening this responsibility to the professional confidentiality observed by lawyers and medical practitioners.

He argued that the summons places Archbishop Banda in a position where responding fully to questions about donations could require breaching church doctrine. According to Zambia Must Prosper, the exercise of the right to silence under such circumstances should not be construed as obstruction or admission of wrongdoing but rather as adherence to established ethical obligations.

Kelvin Fube Bwalya also challenged the legal framing of the alleged offence, stating that money laundering cannot exist in isolation and must be anchored to a predicate offence. He questioned whether the DEC had identified any underlying criminal activity attributed to the Archbishop that would generate proceeds capable of being laundered. He asked whether there was any allegation that Archbishop Banda had personally engaged in theft, fraud, drug trafficking, or other illicit conduct.

To illustrate the normalcy of church donations, Zambia Must Prosper referenced historical practices in which political leaders across administrations have made contributions to churches of various denominations. Kelvin Fube Bwalya questioned whether such donations, long accepted as part of religious life, could retrospectively be criminalised without destabilising church-state relations.

Concerns were also raised about the public nature of the summons. Zambia Must Prosper argued that matters involving senior religious figures should be handled with discretion to avoid unnecessary public tension. Kelvin Fube Bwalya noted that the Catholic Church represents a significant portion of Zambia’s population and that actions taken against its leadership inevitably resonate beyond legal procedure.

The statement further referenced past instances where Archbishop Banda and other senior clerics have intervened in politically sensitive situations, including peace-building efforts and engagement with detained political figures. Zambia Must Prosper presented these actions as part of the Church’s longstanding role in national reconciliation.

Kelvin Fube Bwalya cautioned that law enforcement actions framed as procedural may be perceived differently when directed at moral or religious leaders, particularly in a politically charged environment. He warned that such perceptions could contribute to instability if not managed with restraint and clarity.

Zambia Must Prosper concluded its address by affirming its support for Archbishop Banda and reiterating its commitment to constitutional order, church principles, and moral ethics. Kelvin Fube Bwalya stated that the organisation would not accept what it described as harassment or intimidation of religious leadership and confirmed that the address represented its formal position on the matter

Vice President assures Lundazi flood victims of continued support

Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale-Nalumango has assured flood-affected communities in Lundazi District that she will return to the area in February, reaffirming government commitment to sustained support following recent flooding that displaced several families.

Dr. Mutale-Nalumango made the pledge after touring flood-impacted areas, including Mphamba Bridge, before proceeding to Vigodo Ground, where she addressed displaced residents and observed ongoing emergency response efforts.

During the visit, the Vice President described the evacuation of residents as a moment of responsibility and shared humanity, noting that ordinary citizens who depend on national resources must be protected when disasters strike.

She said emergency teams prioritised evacuating families from high-risk zones and relocating them to safer locations identified by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), whose personnel she commended for working on the ground under difficult conditions.

The Vice President said leadership during natural disasters requires decisive action guided by compassion, adding that the response in Lundazi reflects the governance approach of President Hakainde Hichilema, which places dignity, safety, and the well-being of citizens at the centre of public service.

The visit follows earlier reports of flooding in Lundazi, where heavy and sustained rainfall caused water levels to rise, threatening homes, infrastructure, and access routes. Authorities moved in to stabilise the situation through evacuation, temporary shelter, and monitoring of affected areas.

Significantly, the flood response in Lundazi has seen cooperation across political lines. Lundazi Member of Parliament Brenda Nyirenda, an opposition lawmaker, has also been actively involved in response efforts, setting aside political considerations to focus on the humanitarian needs of affected residents.

Ms. Nyirenda toured the water treatment plant in the district to assess its condition and operational capacity amid flooding concerns, highlighting the importance of safeguarding water supply and public health during emergencies.

Local officials said the MP’s engagement formed part of broader efforts to ensure that essential services remain functional despite the impact of floods, particularly in communities where infrastructure is vulnerable.

The Vice President acknowledged the role of local leadership and Members of Parliament in responding to the crisis, noting that effective disaster management depends on cooperation between central government, local authorities, and community representatives.

Dr. Mutale-Nalumango said her planned return to Lundazi in February would allow government to review progress made, assess remaining challenges, and consider longer-term measures to reduce flood risk in the district.

She urged residents in flood-prone areas to continue cooperating with authorities and to heed safety advisories, emphasising that early evacuation remains one of the most effective ways to prevent loss of life.

The Vice President said government would continue working with the DMMU, local councils, and elected leaders to monitor conditions and provide support to displaced families as recovery efforts continue.

Simuuwe defends due process, says case involves individual, not Church

United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe has defended the government’s position regarding investigations involving Archbishop Alick Banda, arguing that the matter concerns an individual and not the Catholic Church as an institution, and should be allowed to proceed strictly within the confines of the law.

Simuuwe said public debate surrounding the matter has blurred an important legal distinction between institutional responsibility and personal accountability, stressing that law enforcement agencies are constitutionally obligated to investigate matters brought before them, regardless of the individual involved.

He explained that the investigation relates to a vehicle whose ownership, according to official government records and the White Book, is registered in the name of Alick Banda as an individual, not in the name of the Catholic Church or any of its institutional structures. Simuuwe argued that this distinction is central to understanding why the matter is being treated as a personal legal issue rather than an institutional confrontation.

According to Simuuwe, allowing the law to take its course should not be interpreted as hostility toward the Church or its leadership. He maintained that Zambia remains a Christian nation with deep respect for religious institutions and that the current administration harbours no animosity toward the Catholic Church or the broader Christian community.

Simuuwe said due process exists precisely to protect individuals, including clergy, from arbitrary judgment. He argued that if Archbishop Banda has committed no wrongdoing, the legal process will exonerate him, after which the matter should naturally come to a close.

He cautioned against framing routine investigative procedures as persecution, warning that such interpretations risk undermining public confidence in state institutions and the rule of law.

Simuuwe also stressed that the UPND government does not equate criticism or investigation of an individual clergy member with an attack on Christianity. He said Zambia’s Christian identity is anchored in values of truth, justice, and fairness, which are reinforced, not weakened, when lawful processes are respected.

He further noted that the law makes no exemption for public figures, regardless of their moral standing or social influence, and that equality before the law remains a cornerstone of democratic governance.

Simuuwe said government has consistently upheld freedom of religion and freedom of expression, adding that churches remain free to speak on social, economic, and governance matters without interference.

He argued that portraying the investigation as an assault on Christianity risks internationalising a domestic legal matter unnecessarily, when the facts point to a straightforward question of ownership and legal responsibility.

Simuuwe said once the courts or relevant investigative bodies conclude the matter, the country should move forward without lingering suspicion or division.

He urged citizens to exercise patience, restraint, and confidence in legal institutions, stressing that national unity is best preserved when disputes are resolved through established legal channels rather than public confrontation.

UPND says Archbishop Banda does not represent Catholic Church

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has stated that Archbishop Alick Banda does not speak on behalf of the Catholic Church as an institution, arguing that his recent remarks and the controversy surrounding his summons to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) should not be interpreted as an attack on the church.

In a statement responding to public debate, UPND officials said the Archbishop was expressing personal views and should not be conflated with the official position of the Catholic Church. The party stressed that Zambia remains a country that respects freedom of religion and the autonomy of religious institutions.

UPND representatives said concerns raised following the Archbishop’s summons had been mischaracterised, warning against what they described as attempts to portray the situation as a confrontation between the state and the Catholic Church.

According to the party, Archbishop Banda was invited by the DEC in his individual capacity, and the process should not be politicised or framed as institutional persecution. UPND said law enforcement agencies have a mandate to summon individuals when necessary and that such processes should be allowed to proceed without political escalation.

The party further stated that religious institutions should not be dragged into political disputes, arguing that doing so risks polarising society and undermining social cohesion. UPND officials said Zambia’s democracy depends on maintaining clear boundaries between personal opinions, political discourse, and institutional representation.

UPND also emphasised that the Catholic Church is made up of many leaders and structures, and that no single cleric speaks for the entire institution unless formally mandated. The party urged the public to distinguish between individual commentary and official church positions.

Addressing concerns about intimidation, UPND said the presence of law enforcement officers should not automatically be interpreted as harassment or suppression of free speech. The party reiterated its commitment to constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

UPND officials also cautioned opposition political parties and activists against using the situation to mobilise political support, arguing that doing so risks inflaming tensions unnecessarily.

They said the government has no interest in undermining the church or restricting civic space, adding that Zambia has a long tradition of cooperation between the state and religious institutions.

The party urged citizens to remain calm and allow legal processes to unfold, stressing that respect for institutions is essential for national stability.

UPND concluded by calling for responsible public discourse, warning that sensational framing of the issue could damage trust between institutions and the public.