Lusaka-based lawyer Dickson Jere has welcomed the introduction of a new Bill in Parliament aimed at restructuring benefits for Zambia’s former Presidents and Vice Presidents, describing it as a long overdue move to replace the outdated 1993 Act.
In a post shared on social media, Jere said the proposed Benefits of Former Presidents and Vice Presidents Bill, 2026 is expected to modernise the law in line with constitutional developments that have taken place over the years.
Jere noted that for the first time in Zambia’s history, former Vice Presidents will now receive benefits almost equivalent to those enjoyed by former Presidents, although with some limits depending on service timelines.
He explained that under the proposed law, both former Presidents and Vice Presidents will be entitled to a retirement house—described as a four-bedroom mansion—but only those who served as running mates from 2016 onwards will qualify for this benefit.
Jere further revealed that the Bill has also incorporated a provision allowing former Presidents to opt for cash instead of waiting for government to build a retirement home, a move he says reflects practical lessons drawn from the experience of late former President Rupiah Banda, who requested cash and built his own house according to personal standards.
Meanwhile, Jere said Vice Presidents and equivalent positions dating back to 1964, including Prime Ministers, have been captured in the Bill and will be entitled to 80 percent of the salary of the sitting Vice President, though the payment will not be backdated.
He explained that once the Bill becomes law, eligible former Vice Presidents—or their widows in cases where they are deceased—will begin receiving the benefits.
However, Jere raised concern over what he called the heavy financial burden the Bill could place on the national treasury, especially regarding the construction of retirement houses.
“If I was in Parliament, I would have debated this issue with an alternative view,” Jere said, proposing that retirement houses should remain state-owned and revert back to government after the death of the former office holder.
He questioned whether beneficiaries would be allowed to sell, mortgage or rent out the houses, noting that the Bill is silent on these important issues despite Zambia’s past experiences involving former Presidents such as Frederick Chiluba and Levy Mwanawasa.
Jere also expressed disappointment that the Bill does not clearly address the matter of Presidential State funerals, saying Zambia is currently facing uncertainty over the funeral arrangements of former President Edgar Lungu, yet the proposed law only vaguely mentions that a state funeral will be “prescribed” later through another law.
He urged lawmakers to address the matter now while the Bill is still being debated, rather than postponing such an important issue.
On a positive note, Jere said he is pleased that his recent proposal has been adopted in the Bill, which seeks to bar former Vice Presidents who return to active politics from receiving pension benefits—similar to restrictions already applied to former Presidents.
He encouraged Zambians to read and understand the proposed legislation, noting that it has major implications on governance, public expenditure and the management of retirement packages for former leaders.
Jere concluded by calling for Parliament to refine the Bill further and ensure it addresses practical challenges that have arisen in past administrations.
