UBZ leader, Soondo, demands govt accountability over handling of late ex-president Lungu’s remains

United for Better Zambia (UBZ) President, Apostle Hector Soondo, has called on citizens to demand greater government accountability following concerns over how authorities handled matters relating to the remains of former president Edgar Lungu in South Africa.

Soondo said the situation had drawn significant public attention and raised questions about the Zambian government’s management of the process, warning that the controversy risked damaging the country’s international image.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, he said issues involving a former Head of State should be handled with transparency, dignity and clear communication to both citizens and the global community.

He also criticised President Hakainde Hichilema for what he described as a lack of clarity on the matter.

“The absence of a detailed official response has left many Zambians uncertain and concerned about the government’s position and actions,” Soondo said.

Read More: Zambian govt admits late President Lungu’s body back in family custody after forced action by South African court

He urged the government to give a full account of events and reassure the nation that due process and respect were upheld. He further encouraged citizens to reflect on governance issues and prioritise accountability, transparency and unity in public decision-making.

The government, through the Office of the Attorney General, has denied suggestions that it mishandled the remains. Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said, according to reports by ZNBC, that Lungu’s body was never in the physical custody of the Zambian government at any stage after his death, despite a court order earlier in the week formally transferring custody.

Kabesha said the remains were held by the South African Police Service until Thursday, 23 April 2026, when a South African court ordered they be released to the family.

“The remains of the sixth president had at no point been in the physical custody of the Government of the Republic of Zambia. They were held by the South African Police Service during this period,” he said.

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