President Hichilema announces plans to gazette December 29 as a National Holiday

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that Government will move to gazette December 29 as a national holiday to commemorate Zambia’s declaration as a Christian nation, describing the day as a moment of unity that sits fittingly between Christmas and New Year.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 1991 declaration, the President said God is the true leader of the nation and elected officials are merely agents of his work. He thanked former President Frederick Chiluba for proclaiming Zambia a Christian nation on December 29, 1991, and pledged that his administration is committed to consolidating and reinforcing this status.

President Hichilema said Christian values must complement the Constitution to build a better Zambia, noting that the UPND government is living by those values through interventions such as free education. He urged churches to remain united in promoting love, peace, and equity, emphasizing that the church and government must work together in the service of the people.

“I am in the office to serve the entire body of Christ in Zambia and all citizens. All church mother bodies have equal importance and are welcome to work with this government,” he said, calling on the church to continue praying for the nation and rising in unity despite divergent views. He further called for increased dialogue and tolerance as the country heads to the polls next year.

President Hichilema concluded by reaffirming that Zambia will remain a Christian nation and called on the clergy to work together to legalize and reinforce the declaration.

Delivering the homily, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Chairperson and Bread of Life Church International Overseer Bishop Joe Imakando described the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation as a prophetic vision of a country built on justice, rule of law, freedom of speech, and peace. He said Zambia must aspire for righteousness to foster unity and deal with vices such as corruption, adding that the blessing of righteousness will elevate the nation and make it stand out globally.

Bishop Imakando commended the UPND administration for achievements so far, saying Zambia is on the right path to becoming a great nation, but urged that more must be done to ensure the declaration bears fruit in everyday governance and society.