Tension unfolded at Kitwe’s Kwacha East United Church of Zambia (UCZ) on Sunday when congregants openly rejected area Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Mulenga during a service attended by President Hakainde Hichilema.
The incident happened after Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo introduced Mulenga to the church. Instead of welcoming him, some congregants murmured in disapproval, with others loudly saying, “we don’t know him,” and shouting that he “never visits Kwacha Constituency.” The awkward moment played out in the presence of President Hichilema and his entourage.
Mulenga became MP in 2023 after the courts nullified the election of his predecessor, Joseph Malanji.
Other lawmakers introduced at the event included Chililabombwe MP Paul Kabuswe, Nchanga MP Derrick Chilundika, and Ndola Central MP Frank Tayali.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema donated K1.3 million to support church projects at Kwacha East UCZ and the Mindolo Presbytery Centre. Of this, K700,000 will go towards completing the Presbytery Centre, an additional K500,000 will be added to the project’s budget, and K100,000 has been allocated to three singing groups at Kwacha East UCZ.
“The role you play is very important. Since becoming President, I have been listening and learning a lot from the church. We need to internalise biblical teachings for us to achieve key milestones,” President Hichilema said.
In solidarity, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe, Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali, and Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo pledged a combined K50,000 to help complete the Kwacha East UCZ building.
Delivering a sermon titled “A Call to Changing the Narrative,” Copperbelt Presbytery Bishop Charles Lungu urged Zambians to embrace mindset change if the nation is to make meaningful progress.
He added that as UCZ prepares to celebrate its 60th Diamond Jubilee this year, the church will focus on transforming the social, economic, and spiritual outlook of the country.
