I Will Finish Building The House Of National Prayers - Edgar Lungu.

Former President Edgar Lungu has advocated for a return to faith-centered governance, the completion of the House Of National Prayers, and unity among opposition leaders to tackle Zambia’s social and economic challenges.

Kafue, Nov. 10 – During today’s service at the United Church of Zambia’s (UCZ) Resurrection Congregation in Kafue, Zambia’s former President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, took the opportunity to share a vision steeped in both faith and governance. As the congregation gathered for the commissioning of Deaconess Phaides Mukasa, Mr. Lungu expressed a desire to reinvigorate the country’s spiritual and moral foundation. His words focused on the urgent need to complete the National House of Prayer, a project intended to serve as a central hub for national reflection and unity in Zambia but which has faced delays since his tenure ended. For Mr. Lungu, this structure is not merely architectural; it represents Zambia’s commitment to its Christian principles, which he sees as critical to the nation’s identity.

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The former president further committed to reviving the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, a ministry he established to prioritize faith-based governance and public ethics. He asserted that this ministry is essential to embedding Christian values at the heart of Zambia’s national policies and public administration. “The values we uphold as a nation should reflect our Christian identity,” Mr. Lungu declared. According to him, reestablishing the ministry would allow Zambia to align its governance with principles that emphasize integrity, compassion, and moral leadership, drawing on its historical role as a Christian nation.

The 2026 Tonse Alliance presidential candidate also emphasized the need for a united opposition, urging leaders across political lines to come together for the common good. He framed this unity as essential for overcoming Zambia’s current struggles with poverty, corruption, and what he described as ineffective governance. “We need all hands on deck to address the challenges our nation faces,” Mr. Lungu said, underscoring that addressing these issues requires a collective, concerted effort from all political players. His call was not only a challenge but an appeal for a shared purpose in tackling the nation’s pressing socioeconomic issues.

In a surprising aside, the former Head of State congratulated the American people for electing a “God-fearing” leader, suggesting that a leader’s faith should be central to their ability to govern responsibly. He argued that nations are strengthened when their leaders are anchored in spiritual and ethical values, subtly implying that Zambia too would benefit from leaders who uphold these standards. His comments were widely interpreted as a veiled critique of Zambia’s current administration, contrasting its approach with his own faith-centered vision.

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Mr. Lungu was not alone in his call to action. He attended the service alongside key figures from the Tonse Alliance and the Patriotic Front (PF), including spokesperson Sean Tembo, PF Vice President Given Lubinda, and Members of Parliament. This show of unity among opposition figures illustrated his broader message and may indicate a growing coalition intent on addressing Zambia’s challenges. Their presence reinforced the notion that Mr. Lungu’s proposals resonate with a broader political movement that is aligning behind him.

UCZ Lusaka Presbytery Bishop Rev. Dr. Lordwell Siame also added a solemn appeal during his sermon. He called for authenticity in both religious and political circles, urging leaders to prioritize the community’s well-being over personal ambition. Rev. Siame emphasized that churches should be involved not only in the spiritual needs of the people but also in their social and material well-being, advocating for support for the disadvantaged, particularly widows and orphans. His message echoed Lungu’s appeal, reinforcing that both spiritual and political leaders share a responsibility to serve Zambia’s most vulnerable.

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