LUSAKA - Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, the Litunga and Kalonga Gawa Undi have applied to the Constitutional Court to join a legal challenge seeking the recognition of Chief Mukuni as a paramount chief in Southern Province.
The three traditional leaders want to be joined as the second, third and fourth respondents in a matter in which Jonas Shakafuswa, Director General of the Bene Mukuni Dynasty Committee, has sued Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha over the classification of Chief Mukuni.
According to their applications for joinder, the traditional leaders argue that they have sufficient interest and legal standing in the matter because the creation and recognition of a paramount chief anywhere in Zambia is a matter of public interest and directly affects the country's traditional governance structures.
They contend that the outcome of the case could undermine or destabilise traditional systems that have existed for generations.
In his affidavit, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Henry Sosala said the case seeks the creation, recognition and installation of Chief Munokalya Mupotola IV Siloka III Mukuni XIX as a paramount chief in Southern Province.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu argued that recognising Chief Mukuni as a paramount chief could set a precedent for junior chiefs across the country to challenge established traditional authorities.
He warned that such developments could destabilise existing chieftaincies and potentially raise national security concerns.
The traditional leader further submitted that Chief Mukuni is one of more than 40 chiefs in Southern Province, arguing that granting him paramount status could have significant implications for the province's existing traditional hierarchy.
Meanwhile, the Litunga and Kalonga Gawa Undi have also argued that they have a direct interest in the proceedings because of their positions as paramount chiefs and custodians of extensive traditional jurisdictions.
They said any decision concerning the creation or recognition of a paramount chief could affect existing traditional governance structures and the authority of recognised paramount chiefs.
The three traditional leaders have therefore asked the Constitutional Court to allow them to participate in the proceedings.
The case was initiated on June 27, 2026, when Mr. Shakafuswa petitioned the Constitutional Court, arguing that the classification of Chief Mukuni as an ordinary chief is inconsistent with the historical and cultural standing of the Bene Mukuni Royal Establishment.
He argues that the establishment has historically exercised paramountcy and kingly authority within the traditional hierarchy.
Mr. Shakafuswa has cited Articles 1, 165(1) and (2), 166, 167 and 266 of the Constitution of Zambia in support of the petition.
The Constitutional Court is expected to determine the applications for joinder as the case progresses.
Source: Phoenix News