Kambwili, ex-Information Minister, jailed five months for hate speech, as High court upholds conviction

Chishimba Kambwili, a senior Patriotic Front (PF) official and former Information Minister, was on Monday taken into custody to begin serving a five-month sentence with hard labour after the Kasama High Court upheld his conviction for hate speech.

The court’s decision brings to a close nearly two years of legal proceedings following Kambwili’s controversial tribal remarks made during a live broadcast on Radio Mano Community Station on August 2, 2021.

His comments, which targeted the Tonga-speaking community, were found to be offensive, unlawful, and capable of fuelling tribal divisions.

Kambwili was initially convicted on November 30, 2023, by the Kasama Subordinate Court under Section 70(1) of the Penal Code, which prohibits expressions of hatred or contempt based on tribal affiliation or place of origin.

He had been out on bail as he challenged the conviction, but the High Court on July 14, 2025, dismissed his appeal, finding no merit in any of the grounds advanced. The court also rejected the State’s cross-appeal, which had sought a stiffer sentence.

In affirming the original judgment, the court described Kambwili’s conduct as reckles and dangerous to national unity.

The Court noted that such speech, especially by public figures, undermines social cohesion and cannot be tolerated.

Following the ruling, Kambwili was immediately ordered to commence his custodial sentence.

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