FOR generations, chiefs’ retainers, locally known as ‘Kapasos’ in Luapula Province have relied on footpaths, canoes and the occasional ox-cart to reach the farthest corners of their chiefdoms to deliver information and other things for their chiefs. But that is about to change.
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Yesterday, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development placed 39 brand new motorbikes into the hands of traditional leaders, promising to make the work of chieftaincy a little less tiring and a lot faster.
Provincial Permanent Secretary Prudence Kangwa, who presided over the handover during the Luapula Provincial Council of Chiefs Consultative Meeting, said the motorbikes were part of 286 procured nationwide under government’s plan to strengthen traditional governance.
“These motorbikes are not just machines, they are bridges between chiefs and their people,” Kangwa told the gathering of the traditional leaders.
“The 39 motorbikes we are handing over today symbolise our shared commitment to improving traditional governance and service delivery,” said Kangwa.
She said the gesture would ease movement in areas where a chief’s authority often stretches across rivers, valleys and dusty roads.
Government has made it clear, however, that safety comes first and riders or the Kapasos entrusted with the motorbikes will be required to obtain certificates of competence.
Kangwa explained that local authorities will help ensure compliance with traffic regulations.
And for chiefdoms without sitting leaders, the motorbikes will be kept under lock and key at the provincial office until new chiefs are installed.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the motorbikes were only one part of a broader package of support to chiefs.
She revealed that in Luapula, 17 palaces were currently rising from the ground with 14 new ones at nearly halfway completion and three older projects now over 75 percent complete.
Each palace, fitted with two retainers’ houses and a chief’s office, is valued at about K4 million, bringing government’s total investment in Luapula’s traditional leadership structures to K56 million.
Once complete, the palaces will stand as permanent symbols of respect for cultural heritage, she said.
Beyond palaces and motorbikes, Kangwa noted that Luapula Province had received over K432 million in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) this year, with 58 percent of the funds already put to work in communities.
Among the projects lined up are the rehabilitation of 807 kilometres of feeder roads, expected to boost access to markets, schools and health facilities in some of the province’s most remote corners.
And Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Vice Chairperson of the Luapula Province Council of Chiefs, Chief Nsamba, thanked government for its support.
“We are grateful that the plight of traditional leaders has been recognised, and it is encouraging that Kapasos are being considered in the delivery of these services,” said Chief Nsamba.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, August 20, 2025
