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The Presidency has clarified that President Hakainde Hichilema will attend this year’s Kuomboka Ceremony as a citizen and enthusiast of the event, and not guest of honor.
The Barotse Royal Establishment had invited Paramount Chief Chitimukulu as the guest of honor at this year’s Kuomboka slated for April, 20 and this ignited debate among stakeholders as to which capacity the President would attend the ceremony.
Some stakeholders speculated confusion to characterise the ceremony. However, State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday said Hichilema was fully aware of the situation.
“This invitation is a reciprocal gesture, following last year’s invitation of King Lubosi Imwiko II as the guest of honor at the Kusefya Pa Ngwena ceremony in the Northern Province, which the President fully supported,” Hamasaka said.
He emphasized that Hichilema was not intending to usurp or take over the Chitimukulu’s role as Guest of Honour at this year’s Kuomboka ceremony.
“He is simply attending as a citizen and enthusiast of the event,” Hamasaka restated.
He said the President had participated in the Kuomboka and many other ceremonies across the country long before he entered mainstream politics.
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Hamasaka stated that even as an opposition leader, Hichilema attended the ceremonies not as a guest of honor, but as a citizen who respected traditions.
“Looking ahead, President Hichilema encourages cultural exchanges among traditional leaders, where ceremonies and other traditional engagements are presided over by traditional leaders from different regions,” he restated.
Hamasaka said this initiative would undoubtedly promote national unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in our country.
He stated that President Hichilema held deep respect for Their Majesties King Lubosi Imwiko II and The Chitimukulu and urges all citizens to respect the country’s rich and diverse culture and traditions.
“The President is looking forward to joining other patrons and the Lozi people at this weekend’s Kuomboka ceremony,” Hamasaka said.
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