You’re commissioning toilets, you call Chiefs? Hichilema angers Mundubile
NATIONAL Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity—NRPUP Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has criticised President Hakainde Hichilema for inviting traditional leaders to witness the commissioning of Phase II of the Chisamba Solar Power Plant, describing the practice as disrespectful to chiefs.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Serenje yesterday, Mundubile said he was disappointed to learn that traditional leaders from the district had travelled to Chisamba at the invitation of government to attend the Presidential event.
He argued that chiefs should remain at their palaces carrying out their traditional responsibilities instead of being moved around to attend government functions.
Mundubile pledged that, if elected President, he would restore the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, saying the move would return the dignity and respect he believes traditional leaders deserve.
“We will bring back the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs so that our traditional leaders can regain the dignity they deserve. We want our chiefs to be respected,” he said.
He questioned why chiefs should be summoned to attend project commissioning ceremonies, dismissing such events as inappropriate occasions for traditional leaders.
“You don’t move chiefs like that. Chiefs must be seen at their palaces. Where you’re commissioning toilets or projects, you summon chiefs. That disrespect ends here. We will restore the dignity of chiefs,” Mundubile said.
The NRPUP leader further argued that chiefs occupy permanent traditional positions, unlike politicians who serve through elections.
“Chiefs are born leaders, and we politicians are only voted for. A President must not disrespect chiefs like that. You summon all chiefs as if they are children being ferried to come and clap for you,” he said.
Mundubile concluded by apologising to traditional leaders on behalf of the current administration, accusing President Hichilema of failing to accord them the respect they deserve.
“We are asking our traditional leadership for forgiveness. We don’t know where this man came from. He has no respect for you,” he said.
© TV Yatu | July 22, 2026.
