Photos: Teddy Likando (Assistant Research Officer-ZLDC)
The Minister of Justice, Hon. Princess Kasune, MP, has unveiled the newly appointed 13-member Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) and received the Commission’s End-of-Term Report (2022–2025) during a ceremony held at Le Elementos Boutique Hotel in Lusaka.
The unveiling follows Cabinet approval of the appointments in accordance with the Zambia Law Development Commission (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2021. In her remarks, Hon. Kasune described the appointments as a renewed commitment to ensuring that Zambia’s laws remain responsive to the nation’s evolving social and economic realities.
She further added that the appointed Commissioners bring diverse expertise in law, economics, education, finance, and community development, which will be instrumental in advancing legal reform, policy modernisation, and the strengthening of justice institutions.
Speaking at the same event, Mrs Justice Chibbabbuka presented the ZLDC End-of-Term Report (2022–2025), highlighting the Commission’s achievements over the past three years. She reported that the ZLDC had completed over 20 law reform projects, including the translation of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 into seven official local languages to enhance citizen understanding, accessibility, and participation in constitutional reforms, the Review of the Public Order Act culminating in the Public Gatherings Bill (2024), and reviews of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, the Arbitration Act, and the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act.
She also noted that the Commission enhanced stakeholder engagement through national law conferences, public lectures, and legal seminars, as well as the first-ever Zambia Parliamentary Model United Nations Conference for secondary school students, which promoted civic awareness and youth participation in governance.
On financial management, Justice Chibbabbuka reported that the Commission maintained prudent financial practices, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial regulations, adding that “the ZLDC received unqualified (clean) audit opinions from the Office of the Auditor General for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.”
However, she acknowledged challenges such as limited funding, staff shortages, and outdated equipment, which had constrained the implementation of certain projects. She recommended increased funding, timely disbursements, institutional restructuring, and enhanced public engagement to ensure continued progress in law reform.
Regarding institutional policies, the ZLDC Chairperson reported that during the 2022–2025 term, the Commission introduced several transformative measures to enhance efficiency and governance. These included the Revised Conditions of Service, a new Disciplinary Code, and many operational and staff management welfare policies.
Justice Chibbabbuka expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Justice, cooperating partners such as UNICEF and GIZ, and other government and civil society organisations for their support. She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to evidence-based and inclusive law reform, aligned with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan and Vision 2030.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Kasune reaffirmed the Government’s support for the Commission, stating:
“With this diverse and accomplished team, we are confident that the Zambia Law Development Commission will continue to strengthen justice, accountability, and national development.”
The new Commission will be chaired by Mrs Justice Ruth Hachitapika Chibbabbuka, a Judge of the High Court. The appointed Commissioners are:
- Mrs Justice Ruth Hachitapika Chibbabbuka-Chairperson
- Mr Munukayumbwa Munyima-Member
- Mr Emmanuel N. Sibongo-Member
- Mrs Eva Jhala-Member
- Dr O’Brien Kaaba-Member
- Dr Herrick C. Mpuku-Member
- Dr Bibian Kalinde-Member
- Dr Chipo Mushota Nkhata-Member
- Ms Bubala Chibbonta-Member
- Ms Mwaka Chizinga-Member
- Dr Dominic Kangongo-Member
- Mrs Kawama G. Simumba-Member
- Mrs Yvonne Nakazwe Wilombe-Nakachinda-Member
Of the 13 Commissioners, twelve have been reappointed, reflecting continuity and confidence in their leadership, while Mrs Yvonne Nakazwe Wilombe-Nakachinda joins as a new member. The reappointed Commissioners will continue their service under a new three-year term, following their initial appointment in 2022.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Mrs Mwenya Bwalya Kaela, Permanent Secretary (Legal) in the Ministry of Justice, as well as cooperating partners, senior government officials, representatives of academia, and civil society organisations.
Read a summarised end-of-term report:
https://www.zldc.org/download/summary-extract-of-exit-report-2022-2025/
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15th October 2025
Innocent Siachitoba
Research Officer
Zambia Law Development Commission