By blocking King Letsie III from attending the Kuomboka Ceremony while imposing his own presence, President Hichilema tightens his dictatorial grip on Zambia’s cultural institutions, turning sacred traditions into political battlegrounds.
Lusaka, April 2 – In a move that smacks of political interference in cultural traditions, President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has reportedly blocked King Letsie III of Lesotho from attending Zambia’s revered Kuomboka Ceremony in 2025. Despite prior discussions between the two leaders at an energy summit in Tanzania, Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to clear King Letsie III’s visit, raising suspicions of political maneuvering. This development has sparked outrage, with many questioning why a long-standing traditional event is now subject to state control.
Also Read: President Hichilema’s Kuomboka conundrum and the dangers of politicizing traditional ceremonies!
The Lozi royal establishment, the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), had yet to announce an official guest of honor, yet the Zambian government wasted no time in declaring that President Hichilema himself would be attending. This follows a controversial 2024 decision by the BRE to snub Hichilema as the guest of honor, opting instead for Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II. The president’s attempt to override traditional authority has only fueled concerns that his government seeks to centralize power, even at the expense of Zambia’s cultural heritage.
Kuomboka, an ancient Lozi tradition symbolizing resilience and unity, has historically been free from political meddling. However, Hichilema’s move to sideline a foreign monarch while imposing his presence at the event sends a chilling message – traditional institutions are only welcome if they align with his government’s agenda. Critics argue that this reeks of authoritarianism, as the president seeks to dictate who is allowed to partake in sacred customs.
Also Read: Hichilema Breaches Constitution: LAZ Sues to Oust ‘Illegal’ Auditor General! Dr. Ron Mwambwa is 66 years old – well past the constitutional age limit of 60 for the Auditor General. Yet, in a move that defies both logic and legality, President Hichilema went ahead and appointed him anyway!
As Zambia edges toward the 2026 general elections, Hichilema’s growing tendency to exert influence over non-political spheres raises alarms about creeping dictatorship. By turning traditional ceremonies into political battlegrounds, the UPND government risks alienating traditional leaders and undermining Zambia’s diverse cultural landscape. Many are left wondering – what next will be declared off-limits in Hichilema’s tightening grip on power?
About The Author: Mpandashalo Mwewa, currently the Chief Editor at Woodpecker’s Digest, formerly held the same role at Zambia Reports. Known for championing Pan-African education reforms with a focus on critical thinking, he employs journalism to instigate social transformation.
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