August polls ‘cancel’ Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena

…as the Bemba Royal Establishment shifts iconic ceremony to September to allow Zambians to vote in the August 13 general election.

By NATION REPORTER

THE Bemba Royal Establishment has postponed this year’s Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena traditional ceremony from August to September to allow Zambians to fully participate in the August 13 general election.

The annual ceremony, one of the country’s largest and most celebrated traditional events, will now take place from September 17 to 19 at Mungwi.

Lusaka Region coordinator Victor Musonda said the decision was made by the Ilamfya (cabinet) of the Bemba Royal Establishment after recognising that this was an election year and that many citizens would be occupied with exercising their constitutional right to vote.

“We decided to hold the traditional ceremony in September to accommodate the election. We don’t want to confuse people because we want them to participate in the general election,” Mr Musonda said in an interview.

He said the decision reflected the traditional leadership’s commitment to promoting democracy while ensuring that the ceremony receives the attention and participation it deserves.

Mr Musonda said Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena remained one of country’s most significant cultural celebrations, attracting thousands of people from across the country and beyond to commemorate the migration and rich heritage of the Bemba people.

Mr Musonda urged people to first participate peacefully in the general election before gathering in September to celebrate one of the country’s most treasured traditional ceremonies.

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