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The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment has banned all political regalia, posters and messaging at this year’s Umutomboko Ceremony scheduled for Mwansabombwe.
The directive is part of a public announcement issued ahead of the ceremony, calling on people to gather and honour heritage in line with guidance from the Mwata.
According to David Chifwele Toka, Spokesperson, Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment, the ban is intended to maintain the cultural focus and unity of the event and it covers all forms of partisan identification during traditional activities.
The Establishment’s announcement specifies that prohibited items include T-shirts, caps, or chitenge materials displaying party symbols and no political messaging would be permitted at the venue.
“To maintain the cultural focus and unity of the event, no political regalia, posters, or messaging are allowed,” Toka said.
The Royal Establishment also issued dress code guidelines for attendees with Lunda men required to dress in “Musando” to honour tradition and present themselves with respect at the ceremony.
“Men are required to dress in ‘Musando’ to honour the tradition and present themselves with respect at the ceremony,” it said.
For women and young girls, the guidance requires wrappers, citenges or long dresses during traditional activities, Trousers and short attire have been discouraged.
“Women and young girls should ensure that are clad in wrappers (citenges or long dresses) during traditional activities and not exposed through trousers or short attires,” the statement says.
Toka said on cultural decorum, the Establishment restricted access to Mpembwe at Mpembwe ya Keleka and only the Mwata, his aides, Headman Toka with his aide were permitted to enter.
The significance of Umutomboko as a sacred tradition passed down through generations, celebrating the 17th-century migration and victories of the Lunda people.
The Mutomboko dance performed by the Mwata is described as the victory dance symbolizing triumph over challenges.
Cultural etiquette is also highlighted and attendees often greet with “Kalombo Mwane!” accompanied by three claps.
The public was further urged to respect sacred areas, including not stepping on the muselo, the royal litter used to carry the Mwata Kazembe.
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