Super Secretary General (SG) for Mines United Football Club Chizengu Lukama has hailed the renaming of Manyumbi tollgate after legendary coach and player Godfrey Ucar Chitalu.

Lukama says the honoring of the legendary football icon was long overdue, describing the move as a fitting tribute to a man whose contribution to Zambia football remains unmatched.

Lukama told the media in an interview, that the renaming of the Manyumbi toll plaza to Geoffrey Ucar Chitalu was a good move as it was intended to recognize the extraordinary role played by the legendary footballer in promoting national pride, unity, and international recognition through football.

Lukama noted that Chitalu’s achievements on the pitch elevated Zambia’s image globally and inspired generations of footballers and sports enthusiasts across the country.

“Chitalu’s legacy continues to motivate young people to pursue excellence in sports and in life. He was not only a football player but a national hero whose dedication, discipline and talent brought honour to the country,” he said.

Lukama added that Chitalu has remained one of Africa’s most celebrated football figures as he is remembered for his remarkable goal scoring record of 107 goals in one season and his immense contribution to the growth of football in Zambia.

“The decision to rename the toll plaza is a good move as it recognizes the man who dedicated his life to the sport and the nation,” he added.

The newly named Godfrey Ucar Chitalu toll plaza stands as a lasting tribute to the legendary striker’s enduring impact on Zambian football history and national identity.

10 people have died in Choma District following suspected consumption of contaminated illicit alcohol locally known as gwala and kachasu.

According to the statement issued to the media by Choma District Health Director Belita Zulu today, the deaths occurred between May 11th and 14th, 2026, in what health authorities described as a serious public health emergency.

The victims are suspected to have consumed highly concentrated and potentially contaminated alcohol products.

Health officials have warned that illicit beer may contain dangerously high alcohol content, toxic contaminants and harmful chemicals used during the brewing process.

The District Health Office stated that such substances can lead to severe illness, organ failure, blindness, coma and death.

Authorities have since urged members of the public to avoid consuming unknown alcohol products and to immediately seek medical attention for anyone showing symptoms such as confusion, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, unconsciousness and acute blindness after drinking alcohol.

The Choma District Health Office has described the loss of 10 lives within four days as a strong warning on the dangers of consuming unsafe alcohol.

Police have also launched investigations into the suspected illegal brewing and distribution of the alcohol linked to the deaths.

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary (PS) Lillian Bwalya says Zambia and Uganda must strengthen trade cooperation and create sustainable partnerships that will unlock economic growth and expand opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Speaking in Lusaka today during the Zambia-Uganda Trade and Business Forum, the PS said the two countries have established mechanisms such as the Joint Trade Committee to address trade-related challenges and improve business cooperation.

Ms Bwalya commended Zambia and Uganda for organising the Forum, describing it as an important platform for deepening cooperation in trade and investment at a time when African countries are seeking stronger regional economic integration.

“This forum comes at a pivotal moment as nations across Africa strive to strengthen economic cooperation, expand trade opportunities, and promote sustainable private sector-led growth,” she said.

Ms Bwalya noted that trade remains a key driver of economic development because it stimulates industrial growth, promotes innovation, facilitates technology transfer, and enhances competitiveness.

She highlighted several products Uganda can source from Zambia, including fertilizers, cement, sugar, textiles, and home care among other products.

The Permanent Secretary said Zambia and Uganda share similar development aspirations and possess abundant natural resources that can be leveraged for mutual benefit.

She observed that Uganda has emerged as an oil-producing nation, while Zambia remains rich in copper and agricultural resources, adding that the two countries should focus on exploiting their comparative advantages rather than competing against each other.

“The idea is not for us to compete, but the idea is for us to tap into our comparative advantage and together build and tap into external markets, so that we mutually benefit from our collaboration,” she said.

Ms Bwalya stressed the importance of private sector participation in driving inclusive economic growth and unlocking investment opportunities.

She said Zambia offers investment opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, tourism, energy, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

She stressed that the Zambian government continues to implement reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting investment.

Ms Bwalya said Zambia has introduced structures such as the Public Private Partnership Dialogue Forum to address bottlenecks affecting business development and has also rolled out a single window system to streamline trade processes and reduce delays at border posts.

Ms Bwalya further called for stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector in removing barriers to trade, promoting value addition, and advancing regional integration.

She encouraged businesses, investors, and stakeholders attending the forum to take advantage of the platform to network, exchange ideas, and establish practical partnerships that will increase trade and investment flows between Zambia and Uganda.

The Permanent Secretary also welcomed efforts to expand air connectivity between the two countries, noting that collaboration between Uganda Airlines and Zambia Airways could contribute to the growth of the aviation sector.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting private sector development under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.

“Our idea is to make sure that we do come out of this with tangible partnerships,” she said.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia Fred Mwesigye said the Uganda-Zambia Trade and Business Forum is intended to facilitate practical business engagements through business-to-business and business-to-government meetings.

Colonel (Rtd) Mwesigye said Uganda and Zambia should work together to reduce trade barriers, improve logistics and connectivity, strengthen standardisation, and support regional value chains that enable African countries to trade more with each other.

“We’re particularly keen to encourage joint ventures, technology transfer, nurturing cross-border social partnerships, and increasing trade in locally produced goods and services,” he said.

He added that modern economic diplomacy must focus on measurable outcomes such as attracting investment, unlocking markets, supporting exporters, and creating opportunities for citizens, especially women and young people.

The Ugandan Envoy urged participants at the Forum to translate discussions into concrete partnerships, investment commitments, and long-term business relationships.

“To the private sector, Uganda is open for business,” he said.

A seven-year-old girl of Washeni Village in Chief Tungati’s Chiefdom has drowned after falling into a well while playing with her siblings.

Disclosing the matter to to the media in a statement, Northern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer, Charles Mbita identified the deceased as Odenia Katuta.

Dr Mbita revealed that the incident occurred on May 14, 2026, around 16:00 hours, and that the matter was reported to Luwingu Police Station at 17:15 hours by the child’s grandfather, Alimagasi Mwape, aged 65.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the juvenile was playing by jumping across the top of a covered well when the lid gave way, causing her to fall inside and drown.

He said police officers visited the scene and retrieved the body, no foul play was suspected, and the family has since been advised to proceed with burial arrangements.

Dr Mbita expressed concern over the increasing number of drowning incidents linked to uncovered or poorly secured wells.

“It is particularly unfortunate that barely a month ago, another child lost a life in similar circumstances. These are preventable tragedies that should not continue recurring in our communities,” he said.

The Deputy Commanding Officer strongly condemned negligence by individuals and property owners who leave wells uncovered or insecure, thereby exposing children to danger.

“We urge all community members to take immediate responsibility by properly covering, fencing, or securing wells and other hazardous structures within residential areas,” Dr Mbita emphasised.

He further appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor children during playtime and educate them on the dangers of playing near wells.

Dr Mbita reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to safeguarding lives and called upon local authorities and community leaders to work together in preventing such avoidable tragedies.

Milenge District Electoral Officer Cleophasio Mbotwa has urged aspiring candidates in the district to maintain peace and unity ahead of the commencement of the campaign period for the forthcoming general elections.

Speaking during the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) briefing for aspiring candidates and election agents, Mr Mbotwa said political players should conduct their campaigns in a peaceful and respectful manner in order to promote harmony and avoid unnecessary conflict among community members.

He said elections should not divide communities but instead provide an opportunity for citizens to freely choose leaders in a peaceful environment.

“As we enter the campaign period, I would like to urge all aspiring candidates and their supporters to uphold peace, unity and tolerance throughout the electoral process,” Mr Mbotwa said.

 He further emphasized the need for political parties and independent candidates to respect one another regardless of political affiliation.

“Political competition should be based on issues and development agendas and not violence, insults or intimidation. Let us work together to preserve the peace that Milenge District is known for,” he said.

Meanwhile, Milenge District Returning Officer Bright Chota said that all aspiring candidates were expected to adhere to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) guidelines and requirements for successful nominations during the nomination process.

Mr Chota noted that candidates should ensure that all nomination papers are correctly filled in and submitted within the stipulated time frame to avoid inconveniences.

“All aspiring candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the ECZ guidelines and nomination requirements to ensure a smooth and successful nomination process,” Mr Chota said.

He observed that compliance with electoral regulations was important in safeguarding the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

Mr Chota   further called on candidates to cooperate with electoral officials and security wings during the nomination and campaign periods to ensure orderly conduct of the elections.

Minister of Health Alex Katakwe says the digitalisation of records management systems is critical to improving efficiency, accountability and service delivery in Zambia’s health sector.

Speaking during the handover of e-Registry equipment by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to the Ministry of Health in Lusaka today, Dr Katakwe described the donation as a major milestone in Zambia’s journey towards building a fully digitalised, efficient and people-centred health system.

Dr Katakwe said the donated equipment, which includes computers, high-volume digital scanners and multifunctional printers, is expected to strengthen records management, improve document processing and enhance information accessibility within the ministry.

He stated that the government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has placed digital transformation at the centre of national development and public service delivery, adding that the health sector remains one of the key beneficiaries of the country’s digital reform agenda.

“This occasion marks a long-awaited milestone in Zambia’s journey towards a fully digitalised, efficient and people-centred health system,” Dr Katakwe said.

The Minister explained that the Ministry of Health’s digital transformation agenda is anchored on the National Digital Health Strategy 2022–2026, which seeks to strengthen healthcare systems through technology and improve service delivery across the country.

He noted that the government has already made significant progress through the rollout of electronic health record systems such as Smart Care and PEPFAR Information Platforms, as well as the implementation of the Laboratory Information System and the Electronic Logistics Management Information System known as DELVIS.

“These are not small achievements.

They represent years of deliberate investment and collaborative effort by government, cooperating partners and dedicated health workers across the country,” he said.

Dr Katakwe stressed that digitalising registry operations is essential in addressing inefficiencies associated with paper-based systems, which he said have contributed to delayed processing of files, missing records and limited access to critical information.

“Data is the lifeblood of a functioning health system. Every document processed in our registry, every file retrieved for action and every decision made begins with reliable information management,” Dr Katakwe said.

He added that the newly acquired equipment will strengthen accountability, improve audit readiness and support faster retrieval of documents required for policy direction and decision-making at the highest levels of health governance.

Dr Katakwe further called on public workers to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability in the management of records and public documents, warning against corruption and unethical conduct in public offices.

“With the equipment being handed over today, the era of missing records should become history. But technology alone is not enough. We must also change our mindset and work ethic,” he said.

Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Representative Seth Broekman said consultations conducted with various units within the Ministry of Health revealed critical weaknesses in the existing paper-based records management system, which has continued to affect document storage, retrieval and information flow.

He said the donated equipment will help convert physical records into searchable digital files and improve document indexing, storage and retrieval.

And Ministry of Health Assistant Director for Human Resources Goodson Kamanga thanked cooperating partners for supporting the ministry’s efforts to modernise records management systems and appealed for continued staff training to ensure officers effectively operate and maintain the equipment.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati has defined Zambia’s digital agenda as connecting remote villages, delivering power to clinics and enabling health workers to save lives via digital links.

Speaking at a farewell cocktail last night, Mr Mutati said his approach to the ministry was rooted in learning and service, not technical expertise.

Mr Mutati said his job was to inspire, to transform, to innovate and create new possibilities.

He recalled addressing the United Nations in New York as Zambia’s representative for the global south, alongside ICT Ministers and tech executives from around the world where he used the platform to explain what digital means for Africa.

“In Africa, digital means, in the very remote part of Zambia, where there was no connectivity, you now connect the people, where the nurse was operating, using the light on the cell phone, you deliver power, where the nurse was using her best endeavor to deliver a child, she was now connected digitally,” he said.

Mr Mutati highlighted what the ministry has achieved in the last five years among them is over  600 young innovators connected to resources and funding, distribution of more than 12,000 computers across the country, launch of Zambia’s first 5G network in 2022 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre among others.

Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habenzu said Mr Mutati’s humility, decisiveness and ability to inspire confidence had left a legacy of professionalism and service.

“You have nurtured colleagues, empowered teams and left behind not only policies and programmes but also people who are better because of your guidance,”Mr Habenzu said.

He noted that the ministry’s work on cyber security, including the STAR 707 short code for reporting mobile fraud, had built trust in Zambia’s digital systems, enabling citizens to transact, learn, innovate and communicate without fear.

“As we bid farewell to the Honorable Minister, we do so not with sadness but with pride and gratitude, “Mr Habenzu concluded.

Meanwhile, Global System for Mobile Associations of Zambia Chairperson Abbad Reda said Mutati’s tenure has left an indelible mark on Zambia’s digital transformation journey.

Mr Reda recalled how the minister’s “three A’s” of access, affordability and availability had shaped industry efforts on network coverage and device accessibility.

He said mobile broadband coverage now reaches more than 93-94% of the Zambian population across all ten provinces.

He highlighted Mr Mutati’s role in phasing out scratch cards within his first 100 days, working with GSMA Zambia and ZICTA to move subscribers to electronic top up systems.

“This has also contributed to digital financial inclusion and made the environment safer, “he said.

Mr Reda also commended the Minister for leading coordinated responses during last year’s energy crisis, bringing mobile network operators and tower companies together to maintain quality of service.

He said the minister’s approach of collaborations over silos, progress over process, and outcomes over optics had strengthened trust between government and the private sector.

“Your willingness to engage with MNOs, to listen to the challenges to think bigger and act bolder has helped us really strengthen the trust between the public and private sectors,” Mr Reda added.

He added that Mr Mutati’s support for corporate income tax reductions had accelerated ICT investment and expanded broadband coverage, positioning Zambia as an emerging digital economy in the region.

Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has called for a paradigm shift in the mindset of community members for the country to end hunger.

Dr Mwanakampwe says hunger at household or community level can only be ended if people take responsibility.

Speaking when the National Programmes Director for Hunger Project, Samuel Mutambo paid a courtesy call on him, Dr Mwanakampwe said farmers must stop being seasonal but grow crops throughout the year.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary encouraged the Hunger Project to tag along with relevant government ministries such as the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Water Development and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise to build entrepreneurs.

And Hunger Project National Programmes Director Samuel Mutambo said the project works to build sustainable community-based programmes using epicenter strategy, an integrated approach to rural development.

Mr Mutambo emphasised that the epicenter is a dynamic hub of community mobilisation and action, as well as an actual facility built by community members.

He explained that through the epicenter, people are brought together in clusters in rural villages, giving them more influence with the local government, while also increasing the community’s ability to collectively utilise resources.

Mr Mutambo said the Hunger Project which has established its existence in Eastern Province was now expanding to Shubuyunji’s Nakayiba Ward in Central Province, where a third epicenter will be constructed

He said through the epicenter strategy, the project will work with community partners to successfully access the basic services needed to lead lives of self-reliance and achieve agreed upon markers of success, such as the Sustainable Development Goals.