Chitimukulu, Litunga, Gawa Undi say Chief Mukuni should not be Paramount Chief

Chitimukulu, Litunga, Gawa Undi say Chief Mukuni should not be Paramount Chief

PARAMOUNT Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, the Litunga of the Lozi people and Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa people have opposed an application seeking the recognition of Chief Mukuni as a Paramount Chief.

The three traditional leaders have asked the court to allow them to join a case involving Jonas Shakafuswa and Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, arguing that they have a direct interest in the matter because it could affect Zambia’s traditional leadership system.

Zambia currently has four recognised Paramount Chiefs i.e. the Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, the Litunga of the Lozi people, Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa people and Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people.

The traditional leaders argue that the creation or recognition of another Paramount Chief is an issue of national importance and could have far-reaching effects on established customary systems that have existed for generations.

They want the court to allow them to participate in the proceedings so they can present their concerns before a decision is made.

Chitimukulu said recognising a new Paramount Chief could encourage junior chiefs across Zambia to challenge existing traditional authorities.

The Chitumukulu also explained his chiefdom covers several districts, including Mungwi, Kasama, Mporokoso, Luwingu, Chinsali and Mpika, with numerous senior chiefs, chiefs, deputy chiefs and headmen owing allegiance to his authority.

He said the matter had the potential to weaken traditional leadership structures.

“I am concerned by this action as it has the potential of opening a Pandora’s box for any disgruntled or ambitious junior chiefs throughout Zambia who may challenge or rebel against long established traditional authorities such as my chiefdom and other Paramount Chiefs,” Chitumukulu said.

“Any such action by disgruntled junior chiefs would destabilise the chieftainship, undermine traditional authority and ultimately the security of the State.”

The Chitumukulu said Chief Mukuni was among more than 40 chiefs in Southern Province, adding that the recognition of another Paramount Chief required careful consideration because of its impact on the country’s traditional governance system.

“The issue in the petition on creation, establishment or recognition of a Paramount Chief in any part of Zambia is of public interest generally and of particular interest to the Paramount Chiefs,” he said.

The Litunga of the Lozi people has also applied to join the case, arguing that the matter affects all Paramount Chiefs and the preservation of Zambia’s traditional institutions.

He believes the outcome of the case could set a precedent on how Paramount Chiefs are created or recognised in future.

The Litunga wants the court to hear his views, arguing that his participation would help ensure that the interests of traditional leaders are considered before any ruling is made.

Kalonga Gawa Undi Mkhomo V, the Paramount Chief of the Chewa people in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique has also asked to join the proceedings.

In his affidavit, Gawa Undi said he was selected and installed by the Undi Royal Family in 2004 and is the 27th Gawa Undi to reign.

He said his traditional authority covers Chewa communities in three countries, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique where he oversees senior chiefs, chiefs and sub-chiefs under Chewa customary law.

Gawa Undi argued that the matter was bigger than one individual chief and could affect traditional systems across Zambia.

“The issue of the creation, establishment or recognition of a Paramount Chief in any part of Zambia is of public interest generally and of particular interest to the Paramount Chiefs,” he said.

He added that he wanted to join the matter to “ventilate the interests of the Chewa people and the Paramount Chiefs in these proceedings.”

The three Paramount Chiefs told the court that their involvement would not prejudice Jonas Shakafuswa but would instead help the court consider all relevant views on an issue they described as being of national importance.

They are seeking to be joined as parties to the petition before the court determines the matter.

Kalemba, July 30, 2026
Edited by Godfrey Siwale