President Hichilema honours 16 individuals at  the 2026 Africa Freedom Day Celebrations

President Hakainde Hichilema today honoured 15 individuals and Lundazi Boarding Secondary School during an investiture ceremony at State House to mark Africa Freedom Day.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

Among those recognised was former Minister of Local Government and Mapatizya Member of Parliament Ackson Sejani, who was posthumously conferred as Grand Officer of the Order of the Eagle of Zambia – Second Division for his long service in public life.

Rosemary Ngulube of Petauke and Jacob Kapanga Mwila were decorated as Officers of the Order of the Grand Companion of Freedom – Second Division. Ms Ngulube played a vital role in the independence struggle, offering shelter to freedom fighters and enduring arrests and torture.

The Order of the Grand Companion of Freedom – Third Division was awarded posthumously to Godfrey Shula and Chipasha Mandalena Chola Mpuku.

Ellie Nzovu, Dr Plyson Manyani Muzumara and Kapelwa Mwanang’umbi Sikota (posthumously) were honoured as Grand Commanders of the Order of Distinguished Service – First Division. Ms Sikota, Zambia’s first indigenous nurse, was recognised for championing better working conditions for African nurses during the colonial era.

The President’s Insignia of Honour went to Karen Chilowa Nakawala, Willem Lublinkhof, Emmanuel Chola and Edward Mpundu, while Kenny Kasipa Sikalongwe received the Insignia of Mercy.