Luanshya pulse 360

Good morning

Press Statement for Immediate Release

GOVERNMENT DISMISSES FALSE CLAIMS OF BAN ON CHURCH MEETINGS AND PUBLIC GATHERINGS

Government has noted information circulating on social media alleging that Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Patrick K. Kangwa, has directed the suspension of church meetings, overnight prayers, crusades and other public gatherings until 1st November 2026.

Government wishes to clarify that no such directive has been issued by the Secretary to the Cabinet or Government. The information circulating on social media is therefore false and does not represent a Government decision or directive.

Government remains committed to upholding the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Zambia, including the rights and freedoms relating to freedom of conscience, religion or belief and peaceful assembly.

In this regard, Government has noted with concern the attribution of the alleged directive to the Secretary to the Cabinet and urges members of the public to verify information purporting to originate from Government institutions or public officials before sharing or acting upon it.

The media and other persons engaged in the dissemination of information are similarly encouraged to verify such information with the relevant authorities before publication or circulation.

Government reiterates that official Government decisions and directives are communicated through established Government channels and authorised spokespersons. Members of the public are therefore encouraged to rely on official Government communication channels for accurate and verified information on Government policies, decisions and directives.

Government will continue to provide timely and accurate information to the public on matters of national interest.

(Original copy signed)
Thabo Kawana
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Informatiom and Media

6th October, 2026

Luanshya pulse 360 the better for us

Your Excellency Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, my dear brother,

On behalf of the Government and people of Zambia, and on my own behalf, I warmly congratulate you on your re-election as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Zambia cherishes the cordial relations between our peoples and governments, founded on mutual respect and African solidarity. We look forward to strengthening these enduring ties and advancing cooperation for our shared prosperity.

I wish you every success in your new term.

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia

UPND DISTANCES ITSELF FROM CALLS TO REMOVE PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMIT

By Elesani Phiri & Philip Sikainda

The UPND says it will not be held responsible for statements by individuals pushing for the removal of the presidential term limit, stating that such individuals are speaking without official party authority.

UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has told Phoenix News that members commenting on the matter are merely exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression and do not represent the official position of the party.

Mr. Mweetwa said the UPND has just come out of a highly competitive election and is currently taking time to regroup before making clear pronouncements on key national issues.

He said the party and Government will in the coming days clearly state their positions on matters of national interest and communicate them to Zambians who have given the UPND the mandate to govern.

Meanwhile, the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes-SACCORD-has warned against attempts to scrap the two-term presidential limit following the launch of a Western Province-led campaign dubbed Project 2090.

This follows plans by Western Province residents, led by Chairperson Suzyo Nguni, to petition the Speaker of the National Assembly and Members of Parliament seeking the removal of the presidential term limit.

But SACCORD Executive Director Arthur Muyunda has told Phoenix News that Zambia is a constitutional democracy and has already agreed on how leadership transition should be handled.

He said while democracy allows debate, the discussion must be realistic and grounded in thorough analysis, stressing that term limits protect against the concentration of power and removing them would undermine Zambia's democratic gains.

PHOENIX NEWS