18/07/2026
BREAKING NEWS. SYNOD
UCZ ELECTS LEADERS FOR NEWLY CREATED MUKUBA AND LUSAKA EAST PRESBYTERIES
The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has elected leadership for its newly established Mukuba and Lusaka East Presbyteries following simultaneous Extraordinary Presbytery Meetings held today in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
The elections mark a significant milestone in the operationalisation of the two new Presbyteries after the 33rd UCZ Synod Council Meeting resolved that elections be conducted within 90 days.
In Mukuba Presbytery, Rev. Suwilanji Simukoko was elected Presbytery Bishop, while Rev. Yona Mumba was elected Presbytery Secretary and Mr. Boyd Sichone was elected Presbytery Treasurer.
Meanwhile, Rev. Harriet Kapeya was elected as the first Bishop of Lusaka East Presbytery, with Mr. Joe Ukwimi elected as Presbytery Treasurer. Elections for the office of Presbytery Secretary will be conducted at a later date following Rev. Kapeya's election as Bishop.
Speaking after the elections, UCZ Synod Bishop Rev. Festus Chulu called on members of the Church to pray for the newly elected leaders, emphasizing that their election is a call to serve God's people.
He urged members not to treat the outcome as a victory for individuals but as a sacred responsibility, reminding the Church that leadership is about faithful service rather than celebration.
Meanwhile, the induction services for the newly elected leaders are scheduled for tomorrow, with the Lusaka East Presbytery induction to be held at UCZ All Saints Congregation in Lusaka, while the Mukuba Presbytery induction will take place at UCZ Hillcrest Congregation in Ndola.
The creation of the two Presbyteries is expected to strengthen church administration, enhance mission work, and bring governance closer to congregations as the United Church of Zambia continues to grow.