Church Freedoms Must Be Respected



UNIP urges authorities to uphold Zambia’s Christian values and protect religious independence amid alleged harassment of Archbishop Alick Banda

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (January 6, 2026) — The United National Independence Party (UNIP) has called for the protection of religious freedoms in Zambia, condemning what it describes as harassment of the Catholic Church and its leaders. 

Party President, the Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Musonda Trevor Selwyn Mwamba, said government actions, including the summoning of Archbishop Alick Banda by the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), threaten Zambia’s Christian values and freedom of worship.


Dr. Mwamba expressed concern that intolerance, cruelty, and malice are replacing the virtues of love, kindness, and goodness in the nation. 

“This toxic spirit is poisoning our country. We are losing respect for the values that unite us and build up the common good. This must stop,” he said.

He recalled the October 28, 2024, incident at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka, where heavily armed police blocked entrances to prevent a memorial Mass for the late President Michael Sata. 

Authorities directed that the service be held at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, despite Mr. Sata being a Catholic, prompting a formal protest from the Catholic Church over violations of religious freedoms.

Dr. Mwamba praised the Catholic Church’s contribution to social justice and governance, highlighting institutions such as the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), which advocates for pro-poor policies, economic development, and reduction of inequality.

On January 2, 2026, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), led by Archbishop Ignatius Chama of Kasama, issued a statement expressing solidarity with Archbishop Banda. 

The bishops described DEC summons as an attempt to suppress his voice and warned that it constituted harassment and state-sponsored persecution.

Dr. Mwamba endorsed the ZCCB statement, condemning all forms of intimidation and emphasizing that attacks on one religious institution threaten all faith communities. 

He urged church leaders and citizens to remain courageous, defend justice, and uphold human dignity.

“Zambia can only claim to be a Christian nation if the Church continues to be the oxygen of love, peace, goodness, and truth among our people,” Dr. Mwamba said. 

He called on the government to respect religious independence and allow faith leaders to carry out their pastoral and prophetic roles without fear of persecution.

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