Don’t sign gatherings bill, LAZ urges Hichilema
By Thandizo Banda
THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to withhold assent to the Public Gatherings Bill No. 71 of 2026.
In a statement, LAZ president Anold Kaluba said the bill risked undermining constitutional freedoms.
Kaluba said in its current form, the bill granted excessive powers to regulating authorities and could be used to restrict peaceful assembly ahead of the August elections.
“In light of the foregoing concerns, LAZ respectfully calls upon President Hakainde Hichilema to withhold the assent of the bill, as several of its provisions are inconsistent with the Constitution,” Kaluba said.
He said the concern expressed by stakeholders was pertinent as the country prepared for the general elections in August.
“Further engagements and consultation should be undertaken before the final bill is presented for presidential assent,” Kaluba said.
He said LAZ had consistently expressed reservations regarding the discriminatory and unfair application of the Public Order Act, which had hindered the enjoyment of democratic and constitutional rights and freedoms.
“LAZ wishes to place on record that, during the legislative process, it made a comprehensive submission to the National Assembly highlighting significant constitutional and human rights concerns arising from the proposed legislation. Unfortunately, these concerns were not adequately addressed,” he said.
Kaluba said Sections 6, 8 and 13 of the bill was worrying because it effectively reintroduceed the permit regime that was declared unconstitutional in the landmark case of Christine Mulundika and 7 Others v The People, SCZ Judgement No.25 of 1995.
“The bill therefore undermines Article 11 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person in Zambia the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms. The rights and freedoms are further protected under Articles 20,21 and 23 of the Constitution,” Kaluba said.
