…ECL appeals to the Litunga ahead of Kuomboka
THUR. 18-04-2024
Zambia’s sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu has appealed to traditional leaders to continue uniting the ´diverse´ people of the southern African nation ahead of the Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people led by the Litunga or King Lubosi II slated for this weekend.
In a special address to the Litunga, Dr. Lungu flanked by wife Madam Esther Lungu said the importance of culture and heritage in Zambia cannot be over emphasised.
“This (peace and unity appeal) is the way we should proceed in this nation,” Dr. Lungu said, “uniting our people in diversity, taking into account the various ethnic groups in the country and indeed the commonality of our culture and history that make us one.”
Dr. Lungu congratulated the Litunga, His Majesty Lubosi Imwiko II, and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), the governing body of Lozi´s on the occasion of the ´historic and culturally rich´ event that draws tourists from both the continent and beyond, whenever it’s held.
Kuomboka signifies a time in the life of the people of Barotse when they celebrate moving or migrating from the flooded bulozi plains to higher land in grand style occasioned by pomp and splendour.
The ceremony is more than a hundred years old.
President Lungu, who displayed exquisite traditional dance styles with the wife at their residence, said, “I wish to send greetings and congratulate you (Litunga) for hosting this very important traditional ceremony on our calendar.”
He added, “I also wish to send my congratulations to the Barotse Royal Establishment for making what we know will be a success. To you all I say, may this be another success.”
Dr Lungu applauded His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba, speaking people for accepting to grace this year’s Kuomboka ceremony as Guest of honour.
“I would also want to put on record our gratitude to Mwine Lubemba Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II for accepting to be the guest of honour.”
The Kuomboko traditional ceremony for the Lozi people of Western Province is scheduled to unfold on April 20th, 2024.
As President of Zambia H.E Edgar Lungu was a frequent guest at the Kuomboka ceremony.
