Speech by His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia At the Zambia Police Annual Ball held at Zambia National Service Chamba Valley On Friday, 10th January, 2019 State House Lusaka

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• The Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Stephen Kampyongo, MP, and your spouse;
• The General Inspector of Police Mr. Kakoma Kanganja and your fair lady;
• The Secretary General of the Patriotic Front – Mr Davies Mwila and your spouse;
• Other Cabinet Ministers present and your spouses;
• Service Chiefs and your fair ladies;
• The Permanent Secretaries present and your spouses;
• The Mayor of the City of Lusaka;
• Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Zambia, and your spouses;
• Retired Service Chiefs and your spouses;
• Heads of parastatal organisations and your spouses;
• Senior police officers and your spouses;
• The Chairperson of the Annual Ball Committee and your spouse;
• Distinguished guests and your spouses;
• Members of the Press;
• Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am glad to officiate at the 2019 Zambia Police Senior Officers’ Annual Ball. I wish to express my gratitude for the invitation.

Let me use this occasion to extend seasonal greetings to you all, your families and to all defence and security personnel in the country.

Inspector General of Police: Let me commend you and your men and women under your command for your hard work, commitment and unwavering loyalty to government. Your tireless efforts in ensuring that law and order prevails in the country is commendable.

Inspector General: I am aware of the exceptional performance of officers on different peacekeeping missions outside the country. The involvement of your men and women in peacekeeping missions has contributed significantly to international peace and security.

It is for this reason that my government has granted you authority to establish a formed police unit (fpu) to further improve on our peacekeeping efforts and become more effective.  Let me also recognise the important role that our officers played during various by elections which were held throughout the country in 2019. The officers worked tirelessly to ensure that peace prevailed during these polls.

Indeed, your work is treasured by many peace-loving Zambians.

Inspector General of Police: Bear in mind that political activities are likely to scale up ahead of next year’s general elections. Therefore, there is need to ensure that you prepare the officers adequately to maintain law and order and nip the culture of violence in the bud.

As we head towards the 2021 general elections, we should do everything possible to curb the culture of guns, and other forms of electoral violence which we have witnessed in recent polls. As your Commander-in-Chief, I expect you to work even harder to ensuring that law and order continues to prevail at all times.

In line with your 2020 theme in which you have expressed desire to improve on you operational performance, i challenge you to remain resolute, professional, non-partisan, loyal to the Zambian constitution, the government and the people of Zambia.

Do not allow yourselves to be used by people with intentions to get to power through illegitimate or dubious means. We are a peace loving nation hence the need to cherish and uphold this treasure.

I further wish to take this opportunity to note that government has purchased new uniforms, specialised riot equipment, and indeed assorted equipment to enable you serve the nation adequately, especially, during the 2021 general elections. This is also aimed at boosting the morale of officers as they execute their mandate.

Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen: It is gratifying to note that my government has made significant improvements to the welfare of our men and women in uniform. We have all witnessed a number of new police facilities including houses built across the country to ease operational challenges that officers go through.

My government is committed to supporting the Zambia Police Service in its quest to create “a smart and value centred police service” capable of enforcing the law for a secure and peaceful environment in Zambia. This entails having a disciplined Zambia Police Service anchored on the core values of integrity, accountability, impartiality, transparency, human dignity, teamwork, confidentiality and patriotism. Therefore, there is need for you to meet the aspirations of the Zambian people by exercising professionalism.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen: A challenge which is currently confronting our communities, including the Zambia Police Service, is Gender-Based Violence. Given that you are the custodians of the law, I will not condone perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence in the service. You are expected to be role models in society by exhibiting exemplary behaviour and addressing your family matters in your respective homes and communities amicably.

I, therefore, urge our men and women in uniform to desist from this vice. Let us ensure the protection of our women and young girls, who are in most cases the victims. This is not to say that men are not victims of Gender Based Violence. There are always amicable and better ways of resolving these domestic squabbles than resorting to uncivilised ways.

Once again, I commend you inspector general and the entire command for inviting me to this occasion. I also congratulate the organising committee for this colourful event. To all of you officers, continue to work hard and to exercise discipline at all times.

Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen: I wish you all a delightful evening and a prosperous 2020. May the almighty god bless you and our great nation, Zambia! I thank you all.