The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has successfully elected and inducted leadership for its newly established Mukuba and Lusaka East Presbyteries, marking a significant milestone in the operationalisation of the Church’s newest administrative units.
The leadership elections were conducted through simultaneous Extraordinary Presbytery Meetings held in the Copperbelt and Lusaka, following a resolution of the 33rd UCZ Synod Council Meeting, which directed that elections for the newly created Presbyteries be held within 90 days.
In Mukuba Presbytery, Rev. Suwilanji Simukoko was elected Presbytery Bishop, Rev. Yona Mumba as Presbytery Secretary, and Mr. Boyd Sichone as Presbytery Treasurer.
Meanwhile, Rev. Harriet Kapeya was elected as the first Bishop of Lusaka East Presbytery, while Mr. Joe Ukwimi was elected Presbytery Treasurer. Elections for the office of Presbytery Secretary in Lusaka East Presbytery will be held 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 uphold the newly elected leaders in prayer, reminding the Church that leadership is a sacred calling to serve God’s people.
He urged members not to regard the elections as a personal victory but as a responsibility entrusted by God, emphasizing that Christian leadership is rooted in humility, service and stewardship.
The following day, the newly elected leaders were formally inducted into office, with induction services held at UCZ Chelstone Congregation in Lusaka for Lusaka East Presbytery and at UCZ Hillcrest Congregation in Ndola for Mukuba Presbytery.
The services also included the dedication of Presbytery leaders, as the Church committed them to God’s guidance and blessing in their respective ministries.
The establishment of Mukuba and Lusaka East Presbyteries forms part of the United Church of Zambia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen church governance, improve administrative efficiency, and enhance the delivery of ministry by bringing leadership and services closer to congregations across the country.