05/06/2026
STATEMENT BY MRS ESTHER LUNGU ON THE SOLEMN SERVICE IN HONOUR AND REMEMBERANCE OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ZAMBIA'S SIXTH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU
June 5th, 2025 brought a profound silence upon our lives when my dear husband, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, was called by his Creator, our Father God.
This one year anniversary carries a sorrow that words can hardly fully express. The pain of losing ECL as many of you fondly called him, is enormous.
Despite this painful demise, it is so encouraging to witness that, twelve months later, today, you are still speaking about ECL with such love and admiration. You speak of his kindness, his wisdom and his humility which were some of the strengths he carried into every room.
To many, ECL was a pillar of the community and a loyal friend. To our family, he was a devoted brother, an exceptional father and guardian, and to me, he was my cherished husband, confidant, and truest companion.
The continued mention of his name with such respect is proof that while he may no longer be physically present, his influence remains deeply woven into the fabric of many lives.
Looking back over this year, my heart overflows with gratitude to the Almighty God, who has not left us comfortless. The Lord has revealed His love through the extraordinary kindness, compassion, and support that the family has received here in South Africa, back home in Zambia and from the diaspora.
I give all glory to God for the incredible community that surrounded us and continues to stand with us. You became the hands and feet of Jesus when we needed it most.
The Spiritual Support rendered through your prayers, has kept us standing when we no longer had the strength or words to pray for ourselves. The scriptures you shared, your encouragement, your presence, and your unwavering faith kept our spirits anchored when the waves of grief threatened to overwhelm us and for all these things, I wish you God’s special blessings.
Your generosity eased the burdens we could not carry alone and allowed us to navigate this painful season with dignity and peace. Every contribution, whether seen publicly or given quietly, became a testimony of God’s provision, according to 2nd Corinthians Chapter 9 v 11 and I quote “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God”.
Dear Brethren, this grief has been a journey with no clear end but by God’s grace, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel. As we mark this first anniversary, we may look backward with tears; but we also look forward with hope. We find comfort in knowing that ECL believed in the Loving God Almighty and we draw strength from the beautiful family and community he has left behind.
As The Lungu family we wish to extend our sincere gratitude for standing with us, and further conducting this ECL’s memorial service. This exhibits your love and compassion for our family in this most difficult season of our life. Your support has carried us farther than words can express. Today, our tears are mixed with gratitude because of your loving kindness. “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21.
May God richly bless you, just as you have blessed us. May God richly bless Zambia. Thank you.
Esther Lungu and Family.