Emmanuel Lungu | Zambia Monitor

Zambia ratifies pan-African ICT union constitution

Emmanuel Lungu — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:53:09 +0000

Zambia has become the latest country to ratify the Pan-African Constitution of the Africa Information Communication Technology (ICT) Union.

On Monday, Zambia submitted its ratification documents for the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) at the Union’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

In a statement issued in Lusaka, Union Programme Coordinator, Alice Koech, said the instruments were received by ATU Secretary General John Omo.

“ATU extends exclusive benefits to countries that have ratified its foundational instruments, including full engagement in all Union activities, eligibility to vote and run for elections within the Union’s Permanent Organs and the opportunity to nominate candidates for elective roles,” she pointed out.

She mentioned that with Zambia’s ratification, 32 out of the 52 African countries represented by ATU had ratified or acceded to the Union’s Constitution and Convention, which was initially signed by ATU Member States in 1999 and revised in 2014.

Welcoming Zambia’s ratification, ATU Secretary-General, John Omo, said Zambia’s ratification of the ATU Constitution and Convention was a significant step towards reinforcing regional solidarity and cooperation in telecommunications and ICT.

“This milestone underscores the importance of collective efforts in driving innovation and ensuring digital inclusion across the continent,” he said.

Zambia’s Charge d’Affaires in Kenya, Alfred Musemuna, delivered the ratified instruments on behalf of Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati.

Musemuna reiterated that the ratification demonstrated Zambia’s dedication to aligning with continental frameworks that promote technological advancement and connectivity.

“We look forward to active participation in ATU’s initiatives and contributing to its strategic goals,” he said.

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Independent Broadcasting Authority offices sealed amid investigation into Muleya’s murder

Emmanuel Lungu — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:20:25 +0000

Police have cordoned off the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) offices to investigate the murder of Director General Guntila Muleya.

Ministry of media and Information Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, stated that staff cannot access their offices until investigations are completed.

He made this announcement when addressing the media in Lusaka on Monday.

“Some of you may be asked to enter the building where you work as needed in accordance with investigations and security measures,” Kawana pointed out.

He urged all staff to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities.

“Ensure your phones remain on throughout this period despite load management,” he instructed.

Kawana also encouraged the public to avoid spreading misinformation.

“Updates will come only from the police and the Ministry of Information regarding this matter,” he added.

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Czech Republic offers Zambian professionals scholarships to study Infotech, Cybersecurity, others

Emmanuel Lungu — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 18:44:49 +0000

The Czech Republic has offered Zambian professionals 25 scholarships to study Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.

Czech Ambassador to Zambia, Pavel Prochazka, stated that the European country aimed to help Zambian professionals perfect their skills as Zambia prepared to embrace Artificial Intelligence.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, Prochazka added that the Czech Republic seeks to partner with the Ministry to strengthen Zambia’s technical disciplines.

The scholarships are available for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Minister Mutati emphasized that Zambia’s priority was on Artificial Intelligence to address challenges such as climate change, drought and scaling up mining production.

“Government also wants the Czech Republic to help in vocational training,” Mutati stressed.

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Gwembe constituency allocates K1.6 million for boreholes, irrigation schemes

Emmanuel Lungu — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 18:36:03 +0000

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Committee has allocated K1.6 million towards the establishment of irrigation schemes and drilling of boreholes in the Gwembe constituency.

Gwembe CDF Chairperson, Harrison Milambo, stated that the irrigation system would include the installation of solar panels, tanks and the purchase of pipes to support the initiative.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Milambo added that, due to limited resources, priority for setting up irrigation schemes would be given to clubs, groups, cooperatives and registered companies with access to existing water points such as boreholes, dams, and those near the lake.

“The initiative is aimed at addressing the devastating hunger crisis affecting both the district and the country as a whole. This approach is intended to avoid the additional costs of drilling new boreholes, which could impact the implementation of the program,” he stated.

Milambo mentioned that K600,000 would be allocated for drilling boreholes in areas most affected by drought to reduce the distance people cover to access water for their daily activities.

“The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gary Nkombo, directed all local authorities to ensure that 50 percent of both CDF loans and grants are allocated towards drought response measures,” he said.

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Police detain IBA financial analyst, Chipyoka, in director-general’s murder investigation

Emmanuel Lungu — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 18:13:26 +0000

Police have detained Francis Chipyoka, a Financial Analyst at the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), in connection with the suspected murder of IBA Director-General, Guntila Muleya, who was shot dead.

Muleya was found dead with gunshot wounds in Lusaka’s Njolwe area.

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, reported that Muleya’s body was discovered with two bullet wounds, one on the back and one on the head.

A closer examination revealed a deep bullet wound on his forehead. Two bullet cartridges were recovered at the scene.

Chipyoka is now the fifth suspect in the ongoing murder investigation.

The arrest was briefly reported in Lusaka on Sunday by Hamoonga.

“He has already been apprehended…,” Hamoonga confirmed, adding that Chipyoka is currently in police custody in relation to the murder of Guntila Muleya.

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Zambia Medicines Authority begins testing stranded stock at J&J depot in Lusaka

Emmanuel Lungu — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 07:49:39 +0000

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has initiated a sampling process for medicines stranded at the J & J depot in Makeni, Lusaka.

These medicines, which belong to the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), are being assessed for quality.

ZAMRA Director-General, Makomani Siyanga, announced that the sampling exercise would extend into the following week as more medicines are being unloaded into the ZAMMSA warehouse.

This step followed concerns over the condition of the stranded medicines.

In a statement released in Lusaka on Saturday, Siyanga explained that samples were being sent to the National Drug Quality Control Laboratory for thorough quality analysis.

Preliminary results indicated that the tested medicines comply with established quality standards.

Once the quality analysis was fully completed, the medicines would be authorized for distribution.

Siyanga assured that ZAMRA was committed to providing prompt quality analysis to ensure the availability of safe and effective medicines in Zambia.

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Three police officers, others arrested in connection with Muleya’s murder

Emmanuel Lungu — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 14:37:52 +0000

The Zambia Police Service has arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of Guntila Muleya, Director-General of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA).

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, stated that the suspects included two regular police officers, one reserve police officer, and a member of the public.

This diverse group of individuals are now in custody as the police continue to unravel the details surrounding Muleya’s death.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Hamoonga confirmed that the deceased’s official vehicle had been recovered.

This crucial piece of evidence may provide significant insights into the circumstances of the murder.

“Additionally, the police have seized two motor vehicles, three firearms, K129,300 in cash, assorted knives, and various electronic gadgets including phones, hard drives and flash disks from the suspects,” Hamoonga added.

The seizure of these items suggests a potentially complex and premeditated crime.

Hamoonga noted that the investigation was progressing well and assured the public that updates would be provided as new information comes to light.

“However, we are mindful that premature disclosure of certain details may jeopardise the ongoing investigation,” he said.

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VP Nalumango launches agriculture support programme to aid farmers

Emmanuel Lungu — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 06:34:03 +0000

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has launched the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), aimed at addressing challenges in the agriculture sector.

Nalumango highlighted that CATSP would streamline access to financing, irrigation and modern farming equipment for farmers.

The Vice President made these remarks in Lusaka on Friday at the programme’s launch.

“The programme aims to increase farm productivity and help farmers cope with climate change,” she stated.

Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo, added that CATSP will develop markets and involve the private sector in distributing inputs and machinery.

Livestock and Fisheries Minister, Peter Kapala, praised CATSP as a timely initiative to transform the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors.

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No truth in abduction claims at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School —Police

Emmanuel Lungu — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 06:23:08 +0000

The Zambia Police Service has denied rumors that six students from Kabulonga Girls Secondary School were abducted.

This response followed an incident on Tuesday when Gershom Mumba, the Deputy Head Teacher of the school, was approached by Nchikulo Mwansa, a parent, regarding his daughter’s absence from classes.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, said Mwansa reported that his daughter would not be able to attend classes due to an incident that occurred on Monday.

“According to the pupil’s account, on Monday, as they knocked off at around 15:20 hours, she and some other pupils willingly boarded a bus at the Kabulonga bus stop heading to Mtendere. The bus initially failed to start, but after being pushed, it began moving,” Hamoonga mentioned.

He added that the bus took an unexpected route, raising the pupils’ suspicions.

“When questioned about their destination, the driver provided unsatisfactory answers, prompting the pupils to jump out of the bus one by one as it slowed down. All the pupils managed to get off the bus,” he narrated.

He stated that the Headmistress and Deputy Head Teacher confirmed that none of the pupils were abducted, as they were consistently reporting to school since the incident.

“The registration number of the Hiace bus involved in the incident is ABL 1403. Investigations conducted at the Road Transport and Safety Agency have revealed that this motor vehicle has no valid road license or road fitness certificate,” Hamoonga stressed.

He said police could not rule out the possibility that the driver was attempting to evade police presence on the usual route to Mtendere.

“We have launched a search for the minibus to ensure that the driver or the owner faces the necessary fines for operating a motor vehicle without road tax and a road fitness certificate,” he said.

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Ruling UPND denies claims clandestine meeting held to discuss constitutional amendments

Emmanuel Lungu — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 06:19:14 +0000

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has dismissed social media reports claiming that President Hakainde Hichilema met with party Members of Parliament (MPs to discuss constitutional amendments, calling the claims false and outrageous.

Party Secretary-General, Batuke Imenda, clarified that while there was a meeting at State House, there was no discussion about the immunity of former President Edgar Lungu or MPs convicted by the courts.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Imenda emphasized that it was customary for the President and vice-president to meet with party MPs whenever parliament resumes or goes on recess.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that the President respects the rule of law and would never interfere in the legislative process or the judiciary’s duties,” Imenda said.

He added that President Hichilema stressed the importance of MPs spending more time with their constituents and fully utilizing the Constituency Development Fund, which is having a significant impact on the lives of many Zambians.

“It is mischievous to deliberately mislead Zambians, especially on constitutional issues,” Imenda stated, urging citizens to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly.

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