Chief Choongo Applauds HH Over Subsidy Increment

On 30 August 2025, during the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony, President Hakainde Hichilema disclosed that the government would, in the next budget, increase allowances for Chiefs and retainers.

House of Chiefs Chairperson Chief Choongo has welcomed President Hichilema’s announcement.

“We are happy that the President has finally pronounced an increment in the subsidies for the Chiefs which have not been adjusted for many, many years. So, that is great news, and as the House of Chiefs Chairperson, I am happy because this is something that the government has pledged that come in the next budget, it will be budgeted for. So, we are happy. And we just urge the government to continue taking care of the Chiefs and the retainers in many ways possible,” he said.

Chief Choongo said that the move would ease challenges faced by traditional leaders.

“The increment will benefit the Chiefs and our retainers in a very positive way looking at the cost of living. The adjustment was done almost 10 years ago. I think you can make your own calculation there about how Chiefs and retainers have been enduring all these years. The government has been helping the Chiefs and retainers by giving us motorbikes and also building palaces for Chiefs and their retainers… In short, what I am trying to say is that we are happy that the subsidy will be increased. So, it will benefit us.”  

He further stressed that he believed the UPND government was moving in the right trajectory.

“I think looking at what the government is doing as Chiefs, we are happy that the government is aggressively addressing issues regarding this country’s development and the general welfare of the citizens in many angles… Increasing the fund from about K1 million to K30 million, for that we really thank the government. And on top of that for making education free, we really thank the government for the social amenities like social cash transfer for the vulnerable. I think generally, the government is on the right trajectory.”

Chief Choongo has since encouraged all ethnic groupings to come up with ceremonies that would foster traditional and Zambian norms among citizens.

“What the House of Chiefs is encouraging is that each ethnic group can come up with some ceremonies to encourage traditional norms and Zambian norms, because these ceremonies are meant for Zambians. Let’s attend, let’s sponsor them, and let’s enjoy our heritage.”