President Hakainde Hichilema has wished former Lusaka Diocese Archbishop, Telesphore Mpundu, and former first indigenous Zambia Air Force Commander, Peter Zuze, a quick recovery.

The President is concerned about the illness of retired Archbishop Mpundu and General Zuze.

And, Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, in the company of Archdiocese of Lusaka Vicar General, Andrew Simpasa, this afternoon, visited the two patients who have been admitted to Maina Soko Medical Hospital.

The media reports that Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, who was part of the entourage, disclosed the President’s message of goodwill to the patients when he gave an update on the condition of the two after the visit.

“The Head of State sent her honour, the Vice President, Mrs Nalumango who was accompanied by the Vicar General of Archdiocese of Lusaka Vicar Gen Simpasa and myself to come and visit the Archbishop Mpundu and Gen Zuze. President Hichilema has wished them well and a speedy recovery.

“I’m happy to report that both patients, Archbishop Mpundu and General Peter Zuze are responding very well and positively to medication. He has sent his warm regards to them through her Honour the Vice President, who has just visited the two patients,” Mr Kawana said.

The Permanent Secretary also stated that their families and the church have asked for privacy, the reason why the media personnel were now allowed to go in.

“Both families and the church have asked for privacy and that is why we didn’t allow media personnel with cameras inside because we really respect the aspect of privacy,” Mr Kawana stated.

Two people in Chifunabuli District of Luapula Province have died after drinking an unknown substance given to them by a witchdoctor.

This follows accusations by family members that the duo, a brother and sister and two other persons, was practicing witchcraft.

Luapula Province Police Commissioner, Godfrey Mwanza, has confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Chitalimine Chipulu, 70 and Thomson Chinyanta, 67.

 Mr Mwanza revealed that the deceased persons served as Village Headman and Vice respectively, of Malemba village in Senior Chief Mwewa’s Chiefdom.

“I can confirm that two people have died after a witch doctor from Samfya gave them an unknown substance to drink in a bottle and another substance believed to be anointed water after family members suspected them to be wizards,” Mr Mwanza said.

He further explained that brief facts in the matter are that the family of the deceased persons and the whole village have been experiencing mysterious deaths of family members and friends, which prompted them to ask for help from the witchdoctor.

“Following unexplained and mysterious deaths experienced in the village, the family of the deceased persons and the villagers sought help from the witchdoctor to find out what was causing the deaths and agreement was made to summon the witchdoctor to help in cleansing the village,” Mr Mwanza narrated.

He said on April 8, 2026, the traditional doctor administered the unknown substance to the four in the presence of villagers and after that, the gathering ended and he left for Samfya.

Mr Mwansa added that the same day at night, two of the four people who drank the said substance died.

He said the matter was reported by a member of the Community Crime Prevention Unit and on April 09, 2026, Police were dispatched to the village where the bodies of the deceased were picked and deposited to Lubwe Mission Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem and burial.

Mr Mwansa noted that investigations in the matter have been instituted and no arrest has been made as the witchdoctor is not known and no villager is willing to reveal his identity.

The Embassy of Egypt in Zambia has commended the country for promoting women’s empowerment and leadership, noting that women play a vital role in economic transformation in both Zambia and Egypt.

And, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary, Subeta Mutelo, notes that women are driving economic growth by running small-scale businesses, creating jobs and contributing to food security.

She has further commended President Hakainde Hichilema for supporting women’s participation in leadership, stating that over 55 percent of Permanent Secretaries in the government are women, while more than 130 women are aspiring candidates in the upcoming general elections.

The media  reports that this was during the event held at the Egyptian residence in Zambia to celebrate women empowerment.

Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Mayada Essam, praised Zambia’s clear vision for empowering women and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening policies that protect women’s rights and promote equality.

President Hakainde Hichilema has been conferred with a Honorary Doctorate in Investment and Enterprise by the University of Lusaka, in recognition of his efforts to champion investment and enterprise development in the country.

Speaking during a special convocation ceremony in Lusaka, University of Lusaka (UNILUS) Chancellor Caleb Fundanga said President Hichilema’s leadership has promoted fiscal discipline and private sector led growth.

Dr Fundanga added that economic stability has restored national confidence and promoted investor confidence in the country.

He added that restoring macro-economic stability has restored the country’s credibility with international financial institutions thereby laying ground for sustainable growth.

Dr Fundanga also called on members of the public to embrace the 24 hour economy and look at it as a source of employment

UNILUS Vice Chancellor, Pinalo Chifwanakeni, also recognised the President’s positive impact on national policy and economic governance through his extensive experience in investment and enterprise development.

Prof Chifwanankeni observed that the government has also made steady progress towards supporting Zambian products through local content policies that have opened doors for the local people.

He added that the coming of the 24 hour economy has challenged his institution to rethink student preparedness and engagement in corporate institutions.

President Hakainde Hichilema commended the institution on its decision to award him with an Honorary Doctorate in Investment and Enterprise.

Mr Hichilema went on to dedicate the achievement to the Zambian people that gave him an opportunity to serve through a democratic process.

“We humbly accept this honorary PHD from the University, and we dedicate it to the people of Zambia,” said President Hichilema.

Mwansabombwe District of Luapula Province has not recorded any maternal death in the first quarter of 2026.

 Director of Health Services, Abraham Bupe, who disclosed the development, attributed the achievement to several strategic interventions being implemented in the district.

Dr Bupe largely attributed the success to the establishment of a maternal tracking system, the availability of a stationed ambulance and the continued outreach programmes conducted by the Zambia Flying Doctor Service in the area.

“We have a tracking system, we are able to track high risk expectant mothers and take them to the hospital on time. We also have an ambulance stationed and the Zambia Flying Doctor Service conducts outreach programmes at Ng’anga Bilonda Hospital monthly,” Dr Bupe said.

He noted that the measures have improved timely access to maternal healthcare services, especially for expectant mothers in remote areas, thereby reducing complications and preventable deaths.

And Mwansabombwe Town Council Secretary, Felix Mwila, has commended the district health department for its effective management of pregnant women during the first quarter of 2026 despite facing various challenges.

He added that the development is a reflection of the district’s continued efforts to strengthen maternal health services and safeguard the lives of mothers and children.

Mr Mwila further emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum and reiterated the district’s commitment to ensuring that no mother dies while giving life in line with the One Health approach.

He also expressed gratitude to all medical personnel in the district for their dedication and professionalism, as well as to district leadership for their timely support to the health sector.

“Together, we can maintain these zero maternal death records for years to come, let’s sustain the momentum,” Mr Mwila said.

Bishops Council of Zambia President Martin Silwimba has called on the church, traditional leaders and government to promote unity and peace as the country prepares for the August 2026 general elections.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today, Bishop Silwimba says elections are a key pillar of democracy that allow citizens to freely choose their leaders, hence the need for peace and unity to be prioritised during campaigns.

He appealed to citizens to guard against division, misinformation and unnecessary suspicion that could weaken national unity.

Bishop Silwimba further noted that the government exists to serve all citizens, adding that the provision of social support, development programmes and collaboration with community and faith-based institutions remains a legitimate responsibility of the state.

He emphasised the importance of fostering respect, dialogue and patriotism, while upholding Zambia’s identity as a Christian nation.

Meanwhile, Bishops Council of Zambia Spokesperson Charles Phiri said political parties should focus on outlining development programmes to the electorate rather than engaging in leadership wrangles.

“Citizens are not going to vote for a President title, but what that leader is going to do is going to change or add up in the government system,” he said.

Mr Phiri added that key sectors such as agriculture, education and health should be prioritised in political agendas.

He also cautioned church leaders against allowing political campaigns in places of worship.

“The church is meant to worship God,” he said.

And Bishops Council of Zambia Vice President for Women and Youth Affairs Agness Pushi called on women and youths to embrace their roles in national development.

Ms Pushi said women and young people should actively participate in governance while upholding values of peace, unity and economic growth.

Government says it is actively implementing policy and regulatory reforms aimed at promoting local participation in the construction sector.

Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary Albert Malama said this is particularly important in high-value projects where Zambian contractors remain underrepresented.

He cited the development of subcontracting and project registration statutory instruments as measures intended to facilitate skills transfer and ensure that citizens benefit more from infrastructure investments.

Speaking during the 12th Combined Graduation Ceremony for the National Council for Construction in Lusaka, Professor Malama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Zambia’s construction sector through skills development and policy reforms.

He said infrastructure development remains a key pillar of national growth, as it drives economic transformation, social inclusion, and improved livelihoods.

Professor Malama noted that the delivery of quality and sustainable infrastructure largely depends on the availability of skilled human capital, emphasizing the critical role of the National Construction School in equipping Zambians with technical competencies.

Speaking at the same event, National Council for Construction (NCC) Board Chairperson, Ngenda Situmbeko, urged graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, and quality as they enter the industry.

Mr Situmbeko said the construction sector requires skilled and ethical practitioners to meet the growing demand for quality infrastructure, calling on graduates to contribute to a resilient and competent construction industry in Zambia.

And NCC Executive Director, Paul Makasa reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to expanding training opportunities, strengthening partnerships with industry players, and promoting innovation in the construction sector.

Prof Makasa further noted the growing participation of women and young people in construction training programmes, describing it as a positive step towards building an inclusive industry.

The Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to continue improving procurement systems to support the effective implementation of government programmes such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) among others.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, ZIPS President Daniel Kabamba emphasised that efficient and timely procurement processes are critical to delivering quality development projects across the country.

Mr Kabamba has since called on procurement and supply professionals in both the public and private sectors to enhance efficiency while adhering strictly to established regulations and procedures.

He noted that procurement plays a central role in driving development and service delivery, adding that delays in procurement processes often hinder infrastructure development.

Mr Kabamba further stated that ZIPS will continue collaborating with the government to ensure that projects are completed within set timelines to promote economic growth.

Meanwhile, Mr Kabamba has announced plans to undertake independent investigations in the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency’s matters in line with its legal provisions.

Mr Kabamba assured that investigations will be conducted in a professional, objective, and impartial manner, with findings to be shared with the public at an appropriate time in keeping with principles of transparency and accountability.

He also urged affected ZAMMSA staff and management to cooperate fully to ensure fair outcomes and foster mutual understanding.

In addition, Mr Kabamba commended the government for implementing Statutory Instrument No. 68 on local content, describing it as a significant step toward increasing participation of local suppliers and contractors.

He also applauded the government on the enactment of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 14 of 2024, noting that it provides assurance to citizens on the safeguarding of the country’s mineral resources.

Mr Kabamba added that the Commission is also mandated to regulate local content, among other responsibilities.

Prince Estifanos Matewos has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Kaweche Kaunda, son of Zambia’s founding president Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

Matewos, Founder of the African Royal Group of Companies and President of the United Africa Royal Assembly, described the loss as deeply personal.

In a statement, he described Kaweche as a trusted confidant and valued partner, and said he stood in solidarity with the Kaunda family and the people of Zambia during what he termed a moment of profound personal and national grief.

He added that Africa has been deprived of a principled and forward-looking mind.

Meanwhile, police in Ndola have launched an investigation into the death of Kaweche Kaunda, who was 67.

Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the incident is believed to have occurred between 18:00 hours on April 8 and 08:00 hours on April 9 at a residence in the Northrise area of Ndola.

Mr Chilabi said the matter was reported by Mike Kaira, 77, a family friend of the deceased, who informed authorities that Mr Kaunda had been found unresponsive in his room.

He said preliminary findings indicate that Mr Kaunda arrived in Ndola on April 6 and was staying at an apartment in Northrise.

Mr Chilabi added that on the morning of April 9, a domestic worker performing routine duties knocked on his door but received no response. She then alerted a security guard, who forced entry and found Mr Kaunda lying unresponsive.

STATEMENT BY PRINCE ESTIFANOS MATEWOS MOURNING THE PASSING OF BROTHER KAWECHE KAUNDA

It is with profound sorrow that I have received the news of the passing of my dear brother, Kaweche Kaunda. In this moment of personal grief, I stand in solidarity with the Kaunda family and the people of Zambia, united in mourning a remarkable son of the soil whose life left a lasting imprint on all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Brother Kaweche was a trusted confidant and a true partner in purpose. Our engagements were defined by his clarity of vision, thoughtful insight, and steadfast commitment to excellence.

His counsel was one I held in the highest esteem. His passing marks not only the loss of a brilliant and promising leader, but of a brother whose friendship I deeply treasured. At a time when his voice and vision were most needed, Africa has been deprived of a principled and forward-looking mind. Yet even in this time of sorrow, we find comfort in the enduring legacy he leaves behind, one of integrity, purpose, and meaningful contribution. May we honor his memory by carrying forward the ideals he so passionately championed, drawing strength from the example he set.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him.