By KALOBWE BWALYA and OLIVER SAMBOKO
LATE Chief Munkonge was not only a developmental champion but also an admirable pillar who always provided measured. Yet, monumentally helpful counsel to politicians across the political, says Former Health Minister Chatalu Chilufya.
He said he had learned with considerable regret, and great sadness, the untimely passing of His Royal Highness Chief Munkonge of Kasama.
In his condolence message to the family of the deceased traditional leader, Dr. Chilufya vividly remembered Chief Munkonge as a person who greatly cared about the socio-economic well-being of his subjects.
Dr Chilufya sent his deepest heartfelt condolences to Mwinelubemba, Chitimukulu Kanyantamanga of the Bemba people, the entire Bemba Royal Establishment and the family of the deceased chief.
“This, I know from my personal experiences as minister of health as I worked to spread primary healthcare services in his chiefdom and Northern Province as a whole,” said Dr. Chilufya.
He said in his various encounters with the late Chief, he always reminded him of the composite wisdom which exuded in both tense and serene moments.
“We mourn his passing, but I am assuredly confident that he has left us a good example on the supremacy of service above self. He has also left us an example that leadership at any level, is an opportunity to serve and not platform for self-aggrandizement.
Yesterday the Bemba Royal Established (BRE) officially announced the death of Chief Munkonge of the Bemba-speaking people of Kasama district.
BRE Spokesperson James Mulenga also known as “Washanga Impika Shalubemba” announced the death of His Royal Highness Chief Munkonge who was Mr. Ackson Musenge.
Chief Munkonge died on Saturday night in Nakonde where he had traveled.
His body has since been transported to his Palace in Lukashya Constituency of Kasama.
And former Defense Minister, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, has described the late Chief Munkonge as an outstanding traditional leader who shall be greatly missed.
Mr. Mwamba said Chief Munkonge was his father because he took over the throne from his biological father.
Mr. Mwamba said Chief Munkonge will always be remembered for his dedication to traditional values which were also a source of wisdom, identity, and a people’s way of life.
He said Chief Munkonge must be mourned in dignity befitting a traditional leader who commanded respect among all when he was alive.
He added that the death of any traditional leader must serve as an opportunity for the nation to reflect on the contributions that cultural heritage plays in national building and development.
“Traditional leaders are the custodians of our traditions and our culture which must be preserved and defended amid competing ways of life that have come about owing to increased human interactions across multiple cultures”, said Mr. Mwamba.
Burial is expected to take place today Monday, November 21, 2022.
