UCZ Synod Bishop, Sichilima, clergy pursue out-of-court settlement over land dispute

The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Synod Bishop, Sydney Sichilima, and church clergy accused of illegally allocating land to themselves are engaged in an out-of-court settlement.

The lawsuit, filed by Reverend Joseph Chaikatisha and Reverend Chileshe Chepela, had alleged that Bishop Sichilima and others subdivided and allocated UCZ land in Chipembi, Central Province, without following proper procedure.

Bishop Sichilima had been sued alongside Synod office staff, including General-Secretary Reverend, Chipasha Musaba, former UCZ Administrative Secretary, Rogers Ng’ambi, former Financial Secretary, Innocent Bwalya, land surveyor Abel Kafunda, and Reverend Georgina Mukupa, the wife of former UCZ Projects Secretary Mafwela.

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During a recent hearing, High Court Judge Situmbeko Chocho was informed that the parties were engaged in settlement talks, facilitated by third-party advisors to the church.

The petitioners’ counsel, Frank Lungu, requested an adjournment to conclude the talks, which was granted without objection.

The matter has been adjourned to July 22, 2024. Judge Chocho commended the parties for pursuing an out-of-court settlement, noting that it saves the court’s time and judicial resources.

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