Hon. Mrs. Justice Ruth Hachitapika Chibbabbuka is the Chairperson for the Zambia Law Development Commission and a Judge of the High Court for Zambia. She was admitted to the Bar in 2000 and was appointed to the High Court on 7th March, 2019. Justice Chibbabbuka holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Zambia, a Master of Science Degree in Sustainable Mineral Resource Development from the University of Zambia, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting from the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education and is currently pursuing a Master of Environmental Law degree with the University of Lusaka. Prior to her appointment as Judge of the High Court, Justice Ruth Chibbabbuka served as a Senior Research Advocate in the Judiciary from 2013 to 2019. From 2009 to 2013, Justice Chibbabbuka served in various positions at Barclays Bank Zambia these include Conformance Manager from 2010 to 2011, Legal Counsel from 2009 to 2010 and Manager, Centralized Securities from 2007 to 2009. Justice Chibbabbuka served as Assistant Legal Counsel at Finance Bank from 2003 to 2006 and Assistant Advocate at Shamwana and Company from 1998 to 2003. Justice Chibbabbuka is currently serving as a member of the Committee on Performance Management in the Judiciary. She is a member of the Zambia Association of Women Judges and the Magistrates and Judges Association of Zambia, and is a member of Bread of Life Church International where she serves as an Elder, Bible study group leader and Sunday School teacher.

Dr. Chipo Mushota Nkhata is a member of the Commission. She is a Legal Practitioner of 14 years standing at the Zambian Bar. She holders a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Zambia, a Master of Laws Degree from the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing her PhD in public law at the University of Cape Town. She is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Zambia in the School of Law where she lectures Human Rights Law, and Clinical Legal Education and Legal Writing. She served as the Coordinator of the University of Zambia Human Rights Law Clinic Project and Disability Rights Law Project and was a member of the UN-UNZA team which was set up to establish the Children’s Rights Observatory at the University of Zambia. She is also a human rights and legal consultant at Mushota & Associates, a Lusaka-based law firm. Mrs. Nkhata is a human rights law practitioner who is passionate about rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups and has worked with many such groups to promote their inclusion in all areas of life on an equal footing as other members of society. She has participated in diverse programmes aimed at strengthening citizenship, gender equality, inclusion and participation including contributing to various fora for constitutional amendments of the Republican Constitution, review and enactment of various pieces of legislation, and national electoral process monitoring and analyses. She has vast research and training experience. Mrs. Nkhata also runs a private legal and human rights consultancy firm which specializes in legal and human rights training, community-based empowerment programmes, paralegal training, research, development of training materials and handbooks and community awareness raising.

Dr. Herrick C. Mpuku is a member of the Commission. He is the Executive Director for the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research. Dr. Mpuku holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Birmingham, an MBA from the University of Bradford, and an MSc in Development Economics from the University of Oxford. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) from the University of Zambia and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of South Africa. Dr. Mpuku has vast experience in economic policy analysis and research; policy development and implementation; and international development policy and finance as well as academia. He recently worked for the Southern African Development Community - Development Finance Resource Centre (SADCDFRC) in Gaborone, Botswana as Programmes Manager for Capacity Building and Policy Research. He served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance (2001), and as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Communications (2003). He also worked as Programme Economist at USAID Zambia, and as Director of the Zambia Institute of Management (ZAMIM). Further, Dr. Mpuku previously worked for the Copperbelt University (CBU) where he served in various portfolios namely Lecturer in Economics and Business Administration; Head of Research and Consultancy, and as Acting Dean in the School of Business. In 1996 Dr. Mpuku was appointed as the founding Director of the Institute of Consultancy, Applied Research and Extension Studies while contemporaneously serving as Director of the University Computer Centre at Copperbelt University. Dr. Mpuku has previously served on several boards including Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority, Zambia Railways Limited, National Airports Corporation, Zambia Telecommunications Corporations, National Council of Scientific Research, and Presidents Citizenship College. He has been an active member of the Economics Association of Zambia having served as Secretary of the Copperbelt Chapter. Dr. Mpuku also has a few publications to his name on topical issues such as Structural Adjustment in Africa; Contemporary Issues in Socio-economic Reform in Zambia, Exporting and the Smaller Firm; Revenue risks, risk attitudes and the optimal output and insurance cover of a competitive firm; Socioeconomic Implications of Management Reforms of Health Industry in Zambia, and many other publications.

Dr. Bibian Kalinde is a member of the Commission. She has more than 18 years’ experience of teaching music in tertiary institutions. Dr. Kalinde has a PhD in music and Master’s degree in music obtained from the University of Pretoria. She also holds a Degree in Music from Kenyatta University in Kenya. She is currently working as lecturer and Assistant Dean Postgraduate in the school of Education at the University of Zambia. She teaches general music courses to undergraduate students and supervises postgraduate students in music education and general education. Previously, she has worked as a lecturer in music at Evelyn Hone College. Her research interests are music education in tertiary and early childhood education, music and gender, and music and politics. Dr. Kalinde’s future research pursuits include exploring the nexus between formal and informal music practices. Dr. Kalinde is president elect and past Vice-President for PASMAE (Western Africa) and Vice-President of the Intercultural Music Initiatives (Africa). She is a member of International Society for Music Education (ISME), National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and serves in the executive of the Zambia adjudicators panel. Further, she is a member of the Zambia Association of musicians.

Mr. Emmanuel Sibongo is a member of the Commission and Chairperson of the Finance Committee. He is a Finance and Accounting professional with almost 20 years’ experience in various capacities. Mr. Sibongo has substantial experience in mining taxation, public finance management and general management. He is an Association of Certified and Chartered Accountant (ACCA)-UK qualified charted accountant. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from Heriot-Watt University Edinburg Business School, a graduate Diploma in Lecturing and Teaching Methodology from the University of Lusaka, and a Certified Public Finance Management specialist from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Institute for Capacity Building. He currently serves as Finance Manager for the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) a statutory body under the Ministry of Technology and Science. He has previously served in various other finance positions including that of Project Accountant at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. Further, he worked as Finance and Administration Manager for International Centre for Aids Treatment and Prevention (ICAP), Acting Finance and Budget Manger as well as Accountant operations for the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) as well as Senior Grants Accountant for World Vision International-Zambia.

Dr. O’Brien Kaaba is a member of the Commission and Chairperson of the Research and Projects Committee. He is a Legal Practitioner in good standing at the Zambian Bar and a member of the African Network of Constitutional Lawyers (ANCL). Dr. Kaaba has extensive experience in governance, constitutionalism, and human rights. Dr. Kaaba holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD) Degree from the University of South Africa, a Master of Laws Degree (LLM) from the University of Zambia), a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of London, a Diploma in Philosophy from St Augustine Catholic Philosophical College, and a Certificate in Constitution Building in Africa from Central European University, Budapest. He has served as Lecturer in the School of Law at the University of Zambia form November 2016 to date. Dr. Kaaba served as a member of an Adhoc Tribunal constituted to hear and determine Local Government Elections Petitions for Luapula Province in August and September 2021. Further, he is serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) as well as a member of the Legal Advisory Committee of SAIPAR. He also served as a Legal and Political Advisor (Local Assistant) to the EU Election Observation Mission to Zambia from July to August, 2021. From December 2018 to date Dr. Kaaba is serving as a Pro Bono Counsel for the Legal Aid Board. From July 2017 to December 2018, he served as an Associate Editor of the SAIPAR Case Review Journal which is the only case commentary journal in the Zambia focusing on reviewing decisions of superior courts in Zambia and in the African region. He has also previously served as Program Manager-Elections at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI); Advisor-Human Rights and Rule of Law to the Germany Development Cooperation (GIZ) Zambia; Political Specialist, Department of State at the American Embassy in Lusaka: Legal Assistant and Program Manager for Women’s Justice and Empowerment Initiative (WJEI); Child Protection Coordinator for Plan International; and as Legal Advisory Services Coordinator for Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF). He is also an accomplished publisher on matters of law.

Mr. Munukayumbwa Munyima is the Vice Chairperson of the Commission and Chairperson of the Appointments, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee. He is a Research Fellow Sociocultural Research Programme, Institute of Economic and Social Research, University of Zambia. Mr. Munukayumbwa holds a Master of Letters (M.Litt) Degree in Cultural Anthropology from James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, Australia, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) Degree in Sociology from the University of Zambia. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Sociology at the University of Zambia. Regarding membership to international bodies, Mr. Munukayumbwa is a serving member of the Southern Africa Intangible Culture Heritage Platform; and the Association of Critical Heritage Studies. Previously, Mr. Munukayumbwa served as a member of the Bereau of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2018 – 2019 Cycle; member of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage from 2016 -2020; and served as Executive Committee Member of the Association of Critical Heritage Studies from 2016 to 2020. At national level, he served as Research Fellow and Programme Coordinator, Social-Cultural Research Programme, Institute of Economic and Social Research at the University of Zambia from 2019 – 2020. He also served as a Managing Partner at All Our Investments Limited from 2007 – 2009; Regional Director, National Heritage Conservation Commission, under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources from 1997 to 2007; and as Chief Anthropologist at the National Heritage Conservation Commission from 1994 – 1997 among others. He has widely published works and conducted consultancies on matters relating to intangible culture heritage, cross-border cultural heritage, and cultural heritage in general.

Ms. Bubala Chibonta is a member of the Commission. She is a Legal Practitioner with over 15 years standing at the Zambian Bar. Ms. Chibbota holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of Zambia, a master’s degree in human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (LLM) from University of Pretoria in South Africa, Post Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting from the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Legislative Drafting from the Ghana Bar Association. She is serving as Acting Chief Parliamentary Counsel in the Ministry of Justice and she is responsible for coordinating the drafting of legislation for presentation to Parliament, drafting of Statutory Instruments or Regulations, rendering legal advise to various government Ministries and Statutory Bodies, appearing before various select Committees of Parliament to present and explain Bills and drafting State Party reports to various treaty bodies and mechanisms. Ms. Bubala also served as Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel in 2019 in the Ministry of Justice. Hitherto, she served as In-House Counsel at the Food Reserve Agency from 2014 to 2019, and as Parliamentary Counsel in the Ministry of Justice from 2009 to 2013. Further, she served as an Intern at the Human Rights Network in Uganda. Ms. Bubala has vast experience in legal drafting, Civil litigation, and research among others.

Ms. Mwaka Chizinga is a member of the Commission. She is a Legal Practitioner and a member of the Law Association of Zambia. She holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of Buckingham, a Master of Laws Degree (LLM) in Human Rights from University of Nottingham, and a Certificate of Preliminary Legal Studies from the University of Hertfordshire. Ms. Chizinga is serving as a Head of Department and Lecturer at the University of Lusaka. She is responsible for leading and managing the School of Law, review and development of course outlines to ensure that standards of excellence are maintained, supervision of research papers and preparation of reports. She is also a Moot Court Coach and Coordinator at University of Lusaka. Her responsibilities in this role include training of students for both the national and international Moot Court. In 2011 Ms. Chizinga worked as a Learner Legal Practitioner at Malambo and Company. In 2010 she served as a 50/50 Programme Coordinator- Gender Advocacy Program in Cape Town South Africa.

Dr. Kangongo is a member of the Commission. He is a Planner with over 30 years of experience in Public Service Planning. Dr. Kangongo holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Management and Entrepreneurs in Malaysia, a Master of Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Zambia. He also holds a Diploma in Science Education from Copperbelt Teachers College, and a certificate in primary teaching. Dr. Kangongo has served as Chief Planner in the Office of the Vice President from 2017 to date - where is he responsible for among other things coordinating the formulation, review and implementation of policies and legislation in order to provide an appropriate policy and legal framework; coordinating research functions in order to facilitate generation of information for decision making; and coordinating the preparation of budgets in order to facilitate financial resource mobilization. He served as Principle Planning and Technical Coordination in the Public Private Partnership Unit at State House from 2016 to 2017; Senior Planner/Parliamentary Liaison Officer in the Ministry of Tourism and Arts from 2011 to 2015; and as Economist Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry from 2005 to 2011. In 2007 he served as an International Intern at the Centre for Enterprise Studies-Glassgow, Scotland in the United Kingdom. Hitherto, he worked as a Planner in the Ministry of Energy and Water Development in 2005; served as a Planning Officer in the Ministry of Education in 2004; and served as a Teacher in the Ministry of Education from 1990 – 2003.

Mrs. Kawama G. Simumba is a member of the Commission. She is a Legal Practitioner and a Member of the Law the Law Association of Zambia. Mrs. Simumba has extensive experience in litigation, drafting, and research. She is serving as Treasury Counsel in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, a position she has held since 2010, where she is responsible for providing legal services to the Treasury. Further, she is responsible for liasing with institutions under the Ministry of Finance on various issues including drafting of legislation and rendering advice; preparing instructions on litigation matters for submission to the Attorney General’s Chambers; and liasing with the Attorney General’s Chamber on legal matters, agreements, contracts, and memoranda of understanding. She has previously served as Principle Counsel and as Senior Counsel in the Ministry of Justice under the International Law and Agreements Department from 2007 to 2010; Associate Advocate at Mungómba Associates from 1997 – 1998 where she was responsible for general law practice including drafting, vetting contracts, conveyancing and civil litigation. Further, Mrs. Simumba served as an Associate Advocate at J.C Mulunga and Company in 1997.

Mrs. Eva Jhala is a member of the Commission. She a Legal Practitioner and a senior member of the Law Association of Zambia having been admitted to the Bar in 1979. She is serving as Legal Consultant/Legislative Drafting Counsel at BEMVI ASSOCIATES. Mrs. Jhala is also a member of the International Bar Association, SADC Lawyers Association, and Commonwealth Legislative Draftspersons Association. She has a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of Zambia; Master of Law with honours in Legislative Drafting from University of Edinburgh, Scotland; Senior Fellow Certificate in Legislative Drafting from the Legislative Drafting Institute, Canberra, Australia; and Fellow, Government Legal Advisors certificate including legislative drafting from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London, England. Mrs. Jhala has worked as a consultant on legislative drafting and legal matters in a number of Countries in the region including Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Mauritius, Malawi, Egypt, South Sudan and Seychelles. She has also served as a consultant in legislative drafting and legal matters in Zambia on various assignments. Previously, she served as Legal Expert at the World Health Organisation in 2007, Director of Faculty at the Zambia Institute of Advance Legal Education from 1998 – 2007, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training from 2001 to June 2002, and as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Legal Affairs 1989 to 1993.

Mrs. Chanda is Director and Commission Secretary, a position she has held since 2015. She is a Legal Practitioner of 23 years standing at the Zambian Bar specialized in human rights law, legal research, law reform, and legislative drafting. She holds among others, a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from the University of Zambia, a Master of Laws degree (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting from the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE). Before joining the Zambia Law Development Commission, Mrs. Chanda worked in various capacities including as a Legal Practitioner in private practice, Legal Officer, at Zambia Wildlife Authority, Chief Research Advocacy and Planning, Human Rights Commission, and Chief Executive Officer of the Law Association of Zambia. She has worked in Zambia’s governance and human rights sector for more than 20 years. She possesses vast experience in human rights promotion, protection and monitoring, legal research, law reform, legislative drafting, and stakeholder engagement. She also possesses experience drafting regional treaties having assisted the Office of the Legal Counsel at the African Union Commission since 2015 and years of teaching experience having lectured and tutored Constitutional law, Human Rights Law, the Law of Armed Conflict, and Administrative law in both public and private universities from 2002. Mrs. Chanda serves on a few Civil Society Organisation boards and is a Melvin Jones fellow (MJF) and the founding president of the Lions Club of Longacres, a member of the International Association of Lions Clubs.