THREE CHIEFS APPLY TO JOIN CONCOURT CHALLENGE OVER CHIEF MUKUNI’S BID FOR PARAMOUNTCY

THREE CHIEFS APPLY TO JOIN CONCOURT CHALLENGE OVER CHIEF MUKUNI’S BID FOR PARAMOUNTCY

By Nelson Zulu

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, the Litunga and Kalonga Gawa Undi have applied before the Constitutional Court to be joined as second, third and fourth respondents in a matter in which Director General of the Bene Mukuni Dynasty Committee Jonas Shakafuswa sued Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha seeking the reclassification of Chief Mukuni as a paramount chief in line with custom and tradition

According to the applications for joinder, the three traditional leaders submit that they have sufficient interest and locus-standi in the matter, saying the creation and recognition of a paramount chief in any part of Zambia is of public interest and of concern to paramount chiefs, as the outcome of the case has the potential to undermine and destabilize traditional systems that have existed for generations.

In his affidavit, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Henry Sosala says the application seeks the creation, recognition and installation of Chief Munokalya Mupotola IV Siloka III Mukuni XIX as a paramount chief in southern province, a move he argues could open a pandora’s box for disgruntled or ambitious junior chiefs to challenge long-established traditional authorities across the country, destabilize chieftaincies, and threaten national security.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu further submits that Chief Mukuni is among more than 40 chiefs in southern province, and that recognizing him as paramount chief could have far-reaching implications for established traditional hierarchies.

Meanwhile, the Litunga and Kalonga Gawa Undi have similarly argued that they have a direct interest in the matter by virtue of their positions as paramount chiefs and custodians of extensive traditional jurisdictions.

They submit that any decision on the establishment or recognition of a paramount chief has the potential to affect traditional governance structures and the authority of existing paramount chiefs, and have asked the constitutional court to allow them to participate in the proceedings.

On 27th June 2026, Mr. Shakafuswa petitioned the constitutional court, arguing that the current classification of Chief Mukuni as an ordinary chief is inconsistent with the historical and cultural standing of the bene Mukuni Royal Establishment, which he says has long exercised paramountcy and kingly authority within the traditional hierarchy.

He cited Articles 1, 165(1) and (2), 166, 167 and 266 of the constitution in support of his petition.

PHOENIX NEWS