LUSAKA – UPND member Victor Cheelo has paid tribute to former UPND Vice President, medical doctor and public health specialist Dr. Canicius Banda, who passed away on Friday at the age of 64.
Cheelo described Dr. Banda as a patriot whose wisdom, discipline and humility left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
He said Dr. Banda was a principled leader who consistently spoke the truth and remained steadfast in his convictions, even during difficult times.
"As UPND, we remember Dr. Banda’s immense contributions during our days in the opposition," Cheelo said.
He added that Dr. Banda's counsel, sacrifices and unwavering commitment to democracy strengthened the party during its years in opposition.
Dr. Banda, popularly known as "The Pilgrim," also made significant contributions to Zambia's health sector. In 2002, he became the first resident doctor to be stationed in Chongwe District after it was declared a district in 1997.
Former The Post newspaper editor Amos Malupenga previously recalled interviewing Dr. Banda, who initially operated from a house donated to the Ministry of Health by Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II because Chongwe had no hospital at the time.
According to Malupenga, Dr. Banda also travelled more than 100 kilometres twice every month to provide medical services at St. Luke's Mission in what is now Rufunsa District, attending to patients who had no resident doctor.
Malupenga further revealed that Dr. Banda chose to serve in Chongwe to ensure local people had access to medical care and often went the extra mile by visiting patients in their villages when they were unable to travel to the health facility.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Banda also contested the Mandevu Constituency parliamentary seat on more than one occasion, although he was unsuccessful.
He will be remembered by many for his distinguished career in medicine, his contributions to public health, his political service and his eloquent commentary on national affairs.