This year’s Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena Traditional Ceremony of the Bemba people in Northern Province will take place from September 18 to 21 in Mungwi District.
The ceremony, which was initially set for August 22 to 24, was postponed after the death of Republican President Levy Mwanawasa at Percy Military Hospital in France on August 19.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu announced the new dates for the Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena traditional ceremony in a letter addressed to Acting Provincial Permanent Secretary, Gabriel Kaunda, signed by organising Committee Secretary, Chola Chilekwa, and made available to ZANIS in Kasama today.
And Mungwi District Commissioner, Fanwell Bwembya, told ZANIS that preparations for the Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena Bemba traditional ceremony have reached an advanced stage.
Mr Bwembya, however, said the road leading to the ceremony has been changed due to the ongoing rehabilitation works on the bridge connecting to the main arena via Paramount Chief Chitimukulu’s palace.
He has since advised people wishing to witness the event to use the Nseluka-Chimba road, which is off the Kasama-Mbala main road in order to reach the main arena.
The district commissioner, further, appealed to the business community and other well-wishers to contribute generously towards the successful hosting of the traditional ceremony.
Acting President, Rupiah Banda, is expected to officiate at this year’s Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena Bemba Traditional Ceremony.
Last year, the late President Mwanawasa graced both the installation of the incumbent Paramount Chief Chitimukulu and the ceremony in Mungwi.
And acting President, Rupiah Banda, is next week expected in Northern Province for a
Three day official visit.
According to a programme released to ZANIS in Kasama today by the Provincial Administration, Mr Banda is expected to arrive at Kasama Airport on September 20 at about 08:30 hours.
After the ceremony, the Acting President is scheduled to meet Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, other Bemba Chiefs and later MMD provincial officials.
On September 21st, Mr Banda will depart Kasama for Mpulungu where he will hold meetings with Lungu Chiefs and MMD district officials.
Mr Banda, who is MMD presidential candidate, will later hold a Presidential rally in the area ahead
of the by-election on October 30.
The following day, on September 22, the Acting President will pay courtesy calls on Senior Chief Kopa and Bisa
Chiefs before addressing a public rally.
ZANIS/ENDS/WS/SJK