STATE House says President Hakainde Hichilema will not be attending the Kuomboka Ceremony to take over the event as guest of honour but merely as a citizen.
The Head of State’s upcoming attendance at the Kuomboka ceremony this Saturday sparked various discussions online, prompting State House to issue a clarification on his role at the event.
According to Clayson Hamasaka, Chief Communications Specialist at State House, President Hichilema is fully aware of invitation of paramount chief Chitimukulu as the guest of honor at this year’s event.
“This invitation (of Chitimukulu) is a reciprocal gesture, following last year’s invitation of King Lubosi Imwiko II as the guest of honor at the Kusefya Pa Ngwena ceremony in the Northern Province, which President Hichilema fully supported,” Hamasaka clarified.
Hamasaka said President Hichilema is not intending take over the Chitimukulu’s role as Guest of Honour at this year’s Kuomboka ceremony.
He added that the President is simply attending as a citizen and enthusiast of the event
“President Hichilema has participated in the Kuomboka and many other ceremonies across the country long before he entered mainstream politics,” Hamasaka explained.
“Even as an opposition leader, he attended these ceremonies not as a guest of honor, but as a citizen who respects traditions, and as a headman in his own right.”
Hamasaka said President Hichilema encouraged cultural exchanges among traditional leaders, where ceremonies and other traditional engagements are presided over by traditional leaders from different regions.
He said this initiative will undoubtedly promote national unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in our country.
“President Hichilema holds deep respect for Their Majesties King Lubosi Imwiko II and The Chitimukulu.”
“As President, he urges all citizens to respect our rich and diverse culture and traditions,” said Hamasaka.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba April 18, 2024