Chief Mukutuma put to rest

The Late Chief Mukutuma of the Lamba speaking people in Lufwanyama district who died last week on Thursday was  put to rest yesterday.

Copperbelt Province Minister Mwenya Musenge who led hundreds of mourners gathered at the Late Chief’s palace described the Chief as a dedicated leader who put the wellbeing of his people top on his agenda.

ZANIS in Lufwanyama reports that Mr. Musenge noted that even in his illness, the late Traditional Leader was more concerned about developing his Chiefdom especially the road infrastructure more than his wellbeing.

The Minister assured the people of Mukutuma that government will put in measures to ensure that the road in the area is worked on to provide safe and easy transportation and also as a way of honouring the late Chief.

And representing the Lamba Royal Establishment, Chief Nkambo appealed to the people of Mukutuma to remain calm and avoid succession disputes as they choose a successor to the late Chief.

Chief Nkambo also called on government to start taking into consideration the welfare of widows and children in a case where a chief passes on to enable them sustain their lives.

Meanwhile, Lufwanyama Member of Parliament Anne Chungu thanked government and other well wishers for the support rendered during the mourning period of the late Chief Mukutuma until his burial yesterday.

She appealed to the royal family to ensure that they choose a traditional leader who will above all things emulate the late chief and put the welfare of the people of Mukutuma first in his or her undertakings.

The Late Chief Mukutuma whose birth name was James Milambo died at the age of 90.

He ascended to the throne in 1961 and is survived by a wife, three children, 30  grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.

Among the people who attended the burial were Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Gabriel Namulambe, District Commissioners ,senior government officials, ruling Patriotic Front and opposition members including the People’s Party leader Mike Mulongoti.