Zambia Will Remain a Christian Nation, HH Declares After 34 Years
President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed that Zambia will continue to be a Christian nation, 34 years after the historic declaration made by late President Frederick Chiluba.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 34th anniversary of Zambia’s declaration as a Christian nation, President Hichilema said Government is determined to entrench the status of Zambia as a Christian nation in law, ensuring it is legally protected and cannot be easily reversed by future administrations.
The Head of State explained that Government intends to formalise the declaration by making it a legal provision, thereby securing its place permanently within the country’s governance framework.
To further strengthen the observance, President Hichilema called on the Church and national religious bodies to work closely with Government so that the Day of National Prayer can be officially recognised as a public holiday.
He said this process should be completed by the first quarter of next year, with plans to position the holiday between Christmas and New Year, allowing all Zambians, including those working during the festive season, to fully participate.
“I have asked the leadership of the Day of National Prayer, Bishop Billy Mfula, and the National Guidance Board to work together to rationalise and consolidate the process so that this day is well placed between Christmas and New Year,” President Hichilema said.
The President also urged the Church to remain united, warning against internal divisions and unnecessary doctrinal disputes.
“Today, you rarely hear arguments about which denomination is the ‘proper’ one. They are all proper. We all pray to one God,” he said, adding that evangelical and charismatic churches are equally part of the Christian faith in Zambia.
In a light moment, President Hichilema remarked that once he retires from politics, he may join the clergy, jokingly urging church leaders to “watch out.”
He further called for peace and unity, especially as the country approaches the 2026 general elections, stressing that elections must never be an excuse for violence or hatred.
“Elections are for competing to serve the people, not for fighting. That is how we should approach 2026,” he said.
President Hichilema also paid tribute to late President Frederick Chiluba, saying his legacy of declaring Zambia a Christian nation should be celebrated and preserved.
“We will continue on the path he laid out. I do not see any future president changing that. Let us make it impossible for any leader to reverse this,” he said.
