The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Southern Presbytery is one of the oldest and most historically significant Presbyteries of the Church. It is currently led by Rev. Melvin Mubanga, who serves as the Presbytery Bishop, with Rev. Lackson Kayula serving as the Presbytery Secretary.
Historically, most of what constitutes Southern Presbytery today was under the Methodist Church from 1905 to 1965. The area then stretched from Kanchindu Mission Centre in Sinazongwe District up to Kabwe in what is now Central Presbytery, and included the present-day Lusaka Presbytery. The last missionary minister to serve this vast region was Rev. J. T. McCormack. By late 1964, the missionary work and church assets were fully handed over to the Zambian people.
This transition culminated in the formation and official launch of the United Church of Zambia on 16th January 1965 at Mindolo, Kitwe. Following the birth of the UCZ, Rev. S. M. Munyama became the first Presbytery Moderator for Southern Presbytery, which at the time encompassed the present-day Southern, Lusaka, and Central Presbyteries as one administrative unit.
In 1971, Southern Presbytery was formally de-linked from Lusaka and Central Presbyteries, marking a new phase of autonomous leadership. Rev. W. J. Munyimba became the first Presbytery Moderator following this separation. In 1994, the Church adopted a structural change that replaced the title Moderator with Bishop.
Following this transition, the Presbytery was led by a number of dedicated leaders, including the late Rev. Siatwiinda (1996–1999), Rev. B. S. Kazovu (2000–2003), and Rev. V. S. Kageya (2004–2011). In January 2012, leadership passed to Rev. A. Mutanuka, who continued guiding the Presbytery in its mission and growth.
Today, under the leadership of Rev. Melvin Mubanga, the Southern Presbytery continues to play a vital role in evangelism, church development, and community transformation, building on a rich legacy that dates back more than a century and remaining committed to the mission and vision of the United Church of Zambia.