By 
Uncertainty now surrounds the funeral arrangements for late Sixth Republican President Edgar Lungu, with Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, stating that the official programme is yet to be finalised.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to inform the nation that the official programme for the arrival of the body of the late Sixth President, including military honours and the State Funeral, has not yet been finalised,” Kangwa said.
He urged the public to disregard any unofficial programmes circulating on social media, adding that the confirmed schedule would be shared in due course.
Earlier, Kangwa had indicated that the body of the late President was expected to arrive at the Presidential Pavilion at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) at 14:00 hours.
He also announced that a military honours ceremony would take place at a Defence Force facility, with public attendance strictly by invitation.
“The body will then be taken to lie in state at his private residence, Plot No. 56660, Chifwema Road in New Kasama,” Kangwa added, confirming that Belvedere Lodge will remain the designated venue for the State Funeral.
On Friday, the UPND government had warned that it would be considered a treasonous act for the family of the late President Lungu to attempt to exclude President Hakainde Hichilema from presiding over the State Funeral.
Vice-President Mutale Nalumango issued the warning on Friday, June 13, 2025 during the Vice-President’s question-and-answer session in Parliament.
She was responding to a question from Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa, who queried whether government would honour the alleged wish by the Lungu family that President Hichilema should not attend the funeral.
Nalumango stressed that while government respects the wishes of the deceased and his family, it was a constitutional obligation for the sitting President to preside over State functions, including a State funeral.
“The death of a former president is a national event. President Hichilema has declared a State Funeral for his brother, and you want to exclude him from such a function? It could be considered treasonous to hold a State Funeral without the Head of State,” she said.
On his part, Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, urged Zambians to refrain from issuing divisive or accusatory statements during the national mourning period, emphasizing that it should be a time for reflection and unity.
“Let us not use this moment to point fingers or dwell on who did or didn’t do something. This is a time to come together as a nation,” Mweetwa said.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Police has warned citizens against any acts of lawlessness, violence, or disorder as the country prepares to receive and mourn the late Sixth President.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, cautioned that any acts of disorder or illegality would not be tolerated and would attract firm legal action.
“As the nation enters this solemn period of mourning, we urge all members of the public and motorists to remain peaceful, respectful, and law-abiding,” he said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments