The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) North-Western Presbytery is a vast and strategically important Presbytery serving the north-western region of Zambia. It is currently led by Rev. Bishop Hamwiinga as Presbytery Bishop, with Rev. Niza Titus Chele serving as Presbytery Secretary.
Geographically, the Presbytery stretches from Solwezi to Chavuma, covering a distance of approximately 600 kilometres. It shares international borders with Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west, and borders the Copperbelt Presbytery to the north, placing it at a key cross-border and mission frontier of the Church.
The UCZ presence in North-Western Province began in 1975, initiated by a group of already established UCZ members who had relocated to Solwezi for work. This group included UNIP Central Committee officials, civil servants, parastatal workers, missionaries, expatriates, and notable leaders such as Hon. Boutice Kapalu MCC and Hon. Beyani MCC. A missionary couple, Roy and Joyce, who were teachers at Solwezi Secondary School, played a significant role in organizing and coordinating early worship and fellowship.
Initially, the group worshipped at St Alban Temple (now Anglican). However, due to shared use by multiple denominations and ensuing ownership challenges, the group later relocated to Community Development facilities within Solwezi. Although membership fluctuated due to frequent transfers of members, the work of the Church continued.
The establishment of Solwezi Congregation was facilitated by Rev. Mpundu of Nchanga Congregation and later strengthened under Rev. Siatwiinda, who was transferred to Solwezi. This marked the official establishment and stabilization of the congregation.
In 1991, North-Western Consistory attained Presbytery status. Rev. Bishop Margaret Miller became the first Bishop of North-Western Presbytery, with Rev. J. C. Mufunda serving as Presbytery Secretary and Mr. G. Mugala as Treasurer.
Since then, the North-Western Presbytery has continued to grow, serving diverse communities across vast distances, and remains committed to evangelism, church growth, and community development in line with the mission of the United Church of Zambia.
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
LEADERSHIP
Rev. Bishop Howard Hamwinga – Presbytery Bishop (2024-2027)
Rev. Niza Chele – Presbytery Secretary (2024-2027)
FORMER PRESBYTERY BISHOPS, SECRETARIES AND TREASURERS
- Bishop Margaret Miller 1991- 1995
- Bishop Dawson Kunda 1996 – 2003
- Bishop Silvia Mukuka 2004- 2011
- Bishop David Mujumila 2012- 2015
- Bishop Moses Gondwe 2016-2023
FORMER PRESBYTERY SECRETARIES
Rev. J.C Mufunda 1991 – 1995
Mr. Chifwelu (late) 1996 – 2001
Mr. S. Mulenga 2002 – 2007
Mr. J. Liswaniso 2008 – 2011
Mr. Kindaba 2012 – 2015
Rev. R. Kanchele 2016-2018
Rev.M.Chitundu 2019-2020, 2021-2022