The United Church of Zambia Synod Communications

26/07/2026

24/07/2026

UCZ SIKUZU PRIMARY SCHOOL COMMISSIONS NEW ABLUTION FACILITIES TO MEET GROWING ENROLMENT

UCZ Sikuzu Primary School has commissioned two new double ablution facilities, marking another milestone in improving sanitation and learner welfare at the mission school.
The facilities, funded by Hands Around the World (HATW), were officially dedicated and commissioned during a hand over ceremony.

The new ablution blocks were constructed in response to the school's growing enrolment, which had placed increased pressure on the existing sanitation facilities. The project is expected to significantly improve hygiene, health and the overall learning environment for pupils and staff.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Headteacher Ms. Abigail Namukolo Masiwa, members of staff, the Parent Teacher Committee, community members, representatives of the Barotse Royal Establishment, and members of the building team.
Meanwhile, the dedication service was led by Rev. Harrison Phiri, Consistory Chairperson, together with Rev. Eliya Simwawa, the School Chaplain, who offered prayers of thanksgiving and dedicated the new facilities for the benefit of the school community.
The event was further enlivened by performances from pupils, who showcased traditional dances, choral music and poetry, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Speaking during the ceremony, Western Presbytery Education Convenor Mr. Keith Waddell, who officially commissioned the facilities, commended the partnership that made the project possible, describing it as a practical investment in the education, health and dignity of learners.

The commissioning of the new ablution facilities underscores the United Church of Zambia's continued commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment through partnerships that strengthen mission education and improve the welfare of learners.

23/07/2026

OFFICIAL COURTESY CALL

Newly elected Mukuba Presbytery Bishop, Rev. Suwilanji Simukoko, has paid a courtesy call on UCZ Synod Bishop Rev. Festus Chulu and General Secretary Rev. Dr. Chipasha Musaba at United Church House in Lusaka, reaffirming the Church's spirit of unity, collaboration and shared mission.

22/07/2026

PHOTO FOCUS | LUSAKA EAST PRESBYTERY

Highlights from the Induction Service of Rev. Bishop Harriet Kapeya as Bishop of Lusaka East Presbytery, held at UCZ Chelstone Congregation in Lusaka.

📷: Edwin Chalesa

19/07/2026

"CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE": REV. BISHOP SUWILANJI SIMUKOKO INDUCTED TO LEAD MUKUBA PRESBYTERY

The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has officially inducted Rev. Bishop Suwilanji Simukoko as the inaugural Bishop of the newly established Mukuba Presbytery.
The induction service, held at UCZ Hillcrest Congregation NDOLA , also marked the formal inauguration of Mukuba Presbytery, ushering in a new chapter in the Church's ministry and administration on the Copperbelt. During the service, leaders of the newly established Presbytery were also dedicated, committing them to serve faithfully alongside the new Bishop in advancing the mission of the Church.
The service was officiated by the UCZ General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Chipasha Musaba, who called on the new Presbytery and its leadership to embrace the transition with faith, courage and unwavering trust in God.
Preaching from Luke 8:22–25, Rev. Dr. Musaba reflected on Jesus' invitation to His disciples to "go across to the other side" of the lake, describing the passage as a fitting message for both the birth of a new Presbytery and the induction of its first Bishop.
He said the establishment of Mukuba Presbytery represents more than an administrative development, but a movement aligned with the Church's 2026 theme, "Changing the Narrative."
"The invitation to cross to the other side is an invitation to move beyond familiar territory and embrace God's mission," Rev. Dr. Musaba said.
He explained that just as Jesus led His disciples beyond their comfort zone into unfamiliar territory, the new Presbytery is being called to pursue ministry with boldness while responding to changing social and spiritual realities.
Rev. Dr. Musaba reminded the congregation that every new journey comes with challenges, noting that the disciples encountered a violent storm immediately after obeying Christ's instruction.
"There will be storms," he said, adding that leadership and ministry would inevitably face trials that test faith, unity and commitment.
However, he encouraged Rev. Bishop Simukoko and members of Mukuba Presbytery not to be discouraged, assuring them that Christ's presence remains constant even in difficult seasons.
"Jesus is with you all the way," he said, drawing parallels with God's promises to Moses and Joshua that He would never leave those He calls into service.

In his acceptance remarks, Rev. Bishop Suwilanji Simukoko described his induction as the beginning of a new chapter and pledged to provide servant leadership founded on unity, inclusiveness and collaboration.
He assured ministers, church leaders and members that he would work closely with everyone in building and strengthening the newly established Presbytery for the advancement of God's mission.

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📷 UCZ Synod Communications Department

19/07/2026

INDUCTION SERVICE FOR REV. FRIDAY SIMUKOKO AS BISHOP FOR MUKUBA PRESBYTERY

19/07/2026

INDUCTION SERVICE FOR REV. HARRIET KAPEYA AS BISHOP FOR UCZ LUSAKA EAST PRESBYTERY

18/07/2026

PHOTO FOCUS
Highlights from the Extraordinary Presbytery Meetings where leadership was elected for the newly established Lusaka East and Mukuba Presbyteries.
Induction services for the newly elected leaders will be held tomorrow 19th July 2026.

Full report; https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D3meAUurW/

18/07/2026

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 Chelstone 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.