Mon, 10 Apr 2017 05:57:46 +0000
By SANDRA MACHIMA in Limulunga
WESTERN Province yesterday came to a standstill after the long awaited prestigious Kuomboka traditional ceremony of the Lozi-speaking people was colourfully celebrated in a peaceful manner despite threats from some disgruntled Lozis who appeared to be against the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE).
And two hours before the arrival of the Litunga’s boat was a heavy downpour which was described as blessings from the ancestral spirits, a situation which drove the Lozi people into a frenzy of excitement.
President Lungu arrived in Lealui around 7:30 hours amid tight security to accompany the Litunga on the procession to Limulunga.
The Head of State and his entourage was received in Lealui by the Ngambela and Western Province permanent secretary Mwangala Liomba in readiness for the Kuomboka journey from Lealui to Limulunga.
The ceremony was characterised by various activities that attracted local and foreign tourists.
And around 10 hours, President Lungu and his Majesty the Litunga of the Lozi people were seen walking majestically to the barge in a procession known as Kushendula, up to the harbour where the Nalikwanda was docked. President Lungu was clad in the Lozi traditional attire known as Siziba and the Litunga, had the special attire that he wears during the Kuomboka ceremony and other gatherings.
The new Nalikwanda boat had 180 paddlers from the standard 120.
The Kuomboka had not been celebrated for the past three years because of low water levels and the demise of the queen.
The queens’ place or barge was actually empty.
