Maravi

Katumbi overshadows Rupiah at Umutomboko

Katumbi overshadows Rupiah at Umutomboko
Written by Zumani Katasefa in Mwansabombwe
Monday, July 27, 2009 12:26:01 PM

DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga governor Moses Katumbi on Saturday overshadowed President Rupiah Banda's presence at the Umutomboko traditional ceremony of the Lunda people of Luapula Province held in Mwansabombwe. Some people who attended the ceremony continuously cheered at Katumbi from the time he arrived in Kazembe [Mwansabombwe] until his departure.

"Moze! Moze! Ebantu aba! [Moses! Moses! These are people]," they remarked. When Katumbi was called upon to greet the crowd, the people responded cheerfully.

Some security personnel had to shift their attention at some point from protecting President Banda as he was leaving the main arena of the ceremony to protect Katumbi who left later.

"Moses! Moses! Muli bantu imwe!" people continuously shouted as they followed Katumbi when he left the main arena.

Zambia police officers had a tough time to control the crowd that followed Katumbi to catch a glimpse of him. Katumbi was whisked away to Mwata Kazembe's palace before flying back to DRC.

However, the undaunted crowd waited for him at the ground where his helicopter landed. "Moze! Moze! Moze! Falanga!" shouted the crowd as Katumbi went to board his helicopter to return to the DRC.

Katumbi was seen off by Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Criticles Mwansa and other people from Mwata Kazembe kingdom.

The people only left the ground after Katumbi's helicopter had taken off and disappeared from their sight.

Earlier before the ceremony, Patriotic Front (PF) vice-president Guy Scott accompanied by other PF officials paid a courtesy call on Mwata Kazembe at his palace.

Scott told Mwata Kazembe that he was representing PF leader Micheal Sata who was supposed to attend the ceremony but could not make it owing to bereavements in the family.

"I want to assure you that in the opposition we are friends and I am happy to be here. I look forward to see this ceremony. I am just representing Mr Sata and have brought some small offering," Scott said.

In response, Mwata Kazembe commended Scott and his entourage for attending the ceremony.

"Dr Scot thank you for your coming, we are not knowing each other for the first time, Mr Sata told me that he was willing to come but because of the bereavements in his family he could not. It is good that you are here," Mwata Kazembe said. "Whether in opposition or not it is good that we support our traditions."

Later, President Banda arrived at the palace and held private talks with Mwata Kazembe which lasted from about 12:50 hours to 13:20 hours.

Paramount chief of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province, Mpezeni, who also attended the ceremony, was later called inside the palace to join President Banda and Mwata Kazembe during their meeting.

At the main arena, President Banda said culture played a very important role in developing the nation.

He said culture was the source of strength and unity in the country and that the government had come up with a deliberate policy to promote culture in the country.

President Banda also disclosed that the government had budgeted for K150 million for the construction of a cultural village in Luapula Province.

President Banda said the government was concerned about infrastructure development and food security in Luapula Province.

"Government is also facilitating the water sector by drilling 200 boreholes in Luapula Province, in all districts," he said.

President Banda said the health sector had received K4.5 billion in the province for improvement of health facilities and that six schools were being constructed in the area. He said roads in the area were being rehabilitated, saying K300 million was spent on rehabilitating the Pedicle Road.

President Banda expressed concern over the deadly HIV/AIDS. He said teachers in schools should instill discipline in children. President Banda was accompanied to the Umutomboko traditional ceremony by his wife Thandiwe and government officials.

Labels: CEREMONIES, GUY SCOTT, KATUMBI, RUPIAH BANDA, UMUTOMBOKO

posted by MrK @ 11:25 AM