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The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) is facing another leadership crisis as members seek to nullify the recent Synod elections, alleging illegalities and constitutional breaches.
A lawsuit filed in the Lusaka High Court challenges the elections of Synod Bishop Festus Chulu and General- Secretary Reverend Chipasha Musaba, claiming the process was illegitimate.
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Former Sports Minister, George Chulumanda, Steven Mwafulilwa, Stanford Kayame, and Friday Nkoma have jointly contested the elections, citing violations of the UCZ constitution.
They are seeking an injunction to halt Reverend Chipasha’s induction as General Secretary, set for September 14, 2024, until the matter was resolved.
The plaintiffs argued that the elections, held between June 27 and July 2, 2024, were illegal and conducted improperly.
They also seek an order declaring their removal from UCZ roll membership as illegal and void.
The dispute dates back to March 2024 when the tenure of elective office holders expired, prompting elections for the positions of Synod Bishop and General Secretary.
Controversy arose during the nomination process, with the Synod Nomination Committee allegedly altering nominations unilaterally and failing to adhere to constitutional provisions.
The plaintiffs claim the Committee’s actions breached the UCZ constitution.
Notably, Copperbelt Bishop Rev. Charles Lungu received nominations from seven Presbyteries for Synod Bishop, but the Synod Nominations Committee controversially nominated him for General-Secretary, despite no such nominations from the Presbyteries.
Questions about the fairness and transparency of the process were raised as the elections proceeded, resulting in the selection of Bishop Festus Chulu and Reverend Chipasha Musaba.
The plaintiffs argued that the elections were conducted without verifying the Electoral College, a key requirement of the UCZ constitution.
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