19/10/2025
DR. MUMBA URGES GOVERNMENT TO ENACT LAW INSTITUTIONALISING NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Lusaka, Sunday, October 19, 2025 — Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) President Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba has called on the government to move swiftly to back President Hakainde Hichilema’s proposal to institutionalize the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance, and Reconciliation with legislation in Parliament.
Dr. Mumba said such a law would not only secure the Day’s institutionalisation but also guarantee the Church’s freedom and immunity to offer moral counsel to the nation “candidly and without fear.”
His remarks follow President Hichilema’s announcement during the commemoration of the 10th National Day of Prayerthat government will begin the process of allocating a dedicated national budget to support the observance, in line with Zambia’s declaration as a Christian Nation.
“I wish to commend and warmly welcome the significant call made by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema during the commemoration of the National Day of Prayer. The President’s proposal to give greater structure, deeper context, and appropriate budgetary support to this sacred day by aligning it with Zambia’s declaration as a Christian Nation is a timely and bold step forward,” Dr. Mumba said.
The MMD leader described the pronouncement as a “timely and progressive” move that brings much-needed clarity and continuity to Zambia’s Christian Nation identity.
“This pronouncement provides long overdue clarity in the actualisation of Zambia’s Christian Nation identity. It strengthens the foundations laid by our late President, Frederick Jacob Titus Chiluba, who declared Zambia a Christian Nation in 1991, and builds on the legacy of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who instituted the National Day of Prayer in 2015,” he said.
Dr. Mumba noted that by aligning the two historic spiritual milestones, President Hichilema is “honouring the path carved out by his predecessors” while ensuring future generations inherit a nation whose spiritual and national identity is well defined and consistently nurtured.
He further emphasized that institutionalising the Day would provide the Church with a legitimate platform to speak with moral authority to both government and citizens, fostering national unity, reconciliation, and moral renewal.
“It establishes a moment in our national calendar where the prophetic voice of the Church can be heard clearly, not in opposition to the State, but in support of national unity, moral clarity, reconciliation, and righteousness,” Dr. Mumba said.
However, he cautioned that any legal or financial framework introduced must not be used to undermine fundamental freedoms such as freedom of worship, conscience, and belief, which are enshrined in Zambia’s Constitution.
“Our desire is not for a state religion, nor for coercion of conscience. Rather, we envision a Zambia that espouses Christian values and beliefs, while continuing to honour and protect the freedom of every Zambian to worship according to their convictions, or not at all,” he said.
Dr. Mumba reaffirmed his readiness to work with the Church, government, and other stakeholders to ensure that institutionalising the Day becomes a sustainable and inclusive moral pillar for the nation.
“A truly Christian nation must lead with love, not force; with truth, not tyranny. As both a servant of God and a political leader, I reaffirm my full support for this direction and stand ready to collaborate in ensuring this initiative strengthens our nation’s moral foundation,” Dr. Mumba said.
He prayed for unity and God’s continued blessing upon the Republic of Zambia.
“May God bless our beloved Zambia,” he said.
Dr. Mumba, a former Vice President of Zambia, is the country’s pioneer televangelist and the visionary behind the renowned “Zambia Shall Be Saved” movement.
© Falcon News
