President Hichilema can restore unity now says Chiefs Mabumba, Kalaba and Mpepo after visiting Brian Mundubile Makebi Zulu and others in Kabwe
President Hichilema can restore unity now
…says Chiefs Mabumba, Kalaba and Mpepo after visiting Brian Mundubile Makebi Zulu and others in Kabwe
LUSAKA, September 27, 2026 — President Hakainde Hichilema, as Head of State, has the power to bring down tensions in Zambia “today if he so wishes,” says a group of traditional leaders led by Chief Mabumba of Mansa, following a visit to detained leading opposition figures Hon. Brian Mundubile, Hon. Makebi Zulu, and 16 others at Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison in Kabwe.
Chief Mabumba, speaking on behalf of Chief Kalaba and Chief Mpepo, said the delegation was deeply moved by the encounter but also affected by the continued detention of Mundubile Makebi and 16 others with long court appearance delays for ‘due process’.
“After we had the honour and privilege to visit our brothers Hon. Mundubile, Hon. Makebi and others, we were left with no doubt that at this stage, President Hichilema can bring peace, love, and unity by releasing the detainees and starting dialogue for further healing of our country…he is the current head of state and father of the nation as things stand,” he said.
Drawing from biblical imagery, Chief Mabumba likened the moment to the story of Pontius Pilate and Jesus, saying, “Even though we are chiefs, we appeal to President Hichilema — he is the King who loves this country, and we beseech him to do the right thing given the powers he has of pardon and forgiveness.”
He added, “Even when Jesus the King was insulted, he said, ‘Forgive them, God, for they do not know what they are doing.’ We agree with the President that we must move toward economic prosperity, but it cannot happen without dialogue and healing and peace in a deeply divided nation.
The Chiefs’ visit came after several failed attempts since September 14, when they were turned back at the prison gate after driving more than 500 kilometres from Mansa various times.
“We are grateful for the prison authorities’ magnanimity to finally allow us to see Hon. Mundubile and all others in extremely high spirits. We want a Zambia of peace and laughter to return, not of fear and uncertainty,” Chief Mabumba said.
Hon. Mundubile and Hon. Zulu surrendered to police after seeking temporary sanctuary at the United Nations building in Lusaka on August 27, meaning they have now spent 31 days in detention without appearing in court, until the sedition charge recently in Solwezi.
“We only have one country to preserve, Zambia. We cannot continue to tolerate injustice and remain silent. What we accept today may come back to haunt us tomorrow. Let us stand for justice, accountability, and the future of our country.,” said Chief Mabumba VIII.
They face treason and sedition charges, with trial and plea scheduled for October 5 and 6, according to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Chief Mabumba, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Copperbelt University, an Advanced Diploma from the UK, and a Certificate in Financial Crimes from NIPA, is regarded as an academically astute and moderate voice among the Aushi people of Mansa, Luapula Province and across Zambia.
HRH Chief Mpepo is a former secondary school Science teacher in Luapula who holds a Bachelor degree in Science from UNZA.
Chief Mabumba (in picture) concluded, “We implored Hon.
Mundubile and the rest to avoid anger over detention and take everything in stride because jails existed even in the Bible — but justice always prevails. We pray that President Hichilema does not wash his hands off this matter like Pilate did.”
He added that he has no doubt that President Hichilema wants a united and peaceful Zambia to govern over, not a fearful, restless and tensed up nation.
Chief Mabumba said, “we gain comfort in the fact that President Hichilema himself has shown that he seeks nothing but a united and peaceful Zambia in this matter and others, he is the father of the nation.”
The Aushi, known for their traditional heroism and fishing prowess across Luapula’s lakes and rivers, remain a kind and peace loving people — and today, their chief’s call echoes a wider national yearning for unity and reconciliation.
He commended hon. Mundubile, Makebi and others for continuing to portray strength and high spirits even when faced with prison conditions.
Putting back his ‘royal advisory hat’, Chief Mabumba said, “my appeal to all Zambians is that they moderate their social media rhetorical attacks and celebrations against the detainees who are presumed innocent in the eyes of the law. We must not gas light or taunt the detained, we are bigger than that, we are one Zambia one tribe, dont mock fellow Zambians.”
The Chief and his fellow royal colleagues have stated that they are available to meet with President Hichilema if he so wishes regarding finding final closure to the matter of hon. Mundubile and others for the sake on ‘national unity.’
Similar calls for closure have come from CF President Harry Kalaba, Pastor Nevers Mumba, Muhabi Lungu, Law Association of Zambia, the church mother bodies and a string of international community organisations.
“We will continue to pray to God in heaven to strengthen or brothers in detention hon Mundubile and team including their families spread across the country, its our solemn duty as traditional leaders, “said Chief Mabumba.
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Source: Chief Mabumba, Mansa, Luapula Province.