LUAPULA Province Chiefs Affairs Officer, Yotam Kanonka has reiterated the important role that traditional ceremonies play in fostering peace and unity among different tribes in the country.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Mansa district today ahead of tomorrow’s hosting of the Chabuka traditional ceremony of the Ushi people of Luapula Province, Mr Kanonka said traditional ceremonies should be guarded and harnessed for economic growth.

He noted that the Chabuka traditional ceremony has a rich history where over 13 different tribes who crossed the Luapula River should be more united as opposed to having divisions based on tribe.

“The significance of celebrating this Chabuka traditional ceremony is to promote peace and unity among the 13 tribes such as the Toka Leya of Southern Province, Bembas of Chief Chitimukulu and Lunda people of North-western among others,” he said.

And Chabuka Traditional Ceremony Provincial Organising Committee Secretary, Gertrude Musumali said preparations for the hosting of the Chabuka ceremony tomorrow are progressing well.

She has since expressed happiness that for the first time the Head of State is expected to grace the traditional ceremony, saying the gesture has cheered the people of Luapula Province.

Ms Musumali explained that President Hakainde Hichilema will be the first Head of State to officiate at the ceremony.

She has since called on Zambians to attend the ceremony, in order to witness the rich cultural heritage that the people of Luapula province are endowed with.

She said the ceremony will showcase the rich background of how the different tribes crossed the Luapula River from Congo in 1318.