Renowned Lusaka-based lawyer Dickson Jere has urged Members of Parliament to include clear and detailed clauses governing state funerals for former Presidents and Vice Presidents in the proposed Benefits of Former Presidents and Vice Presidents Bill, 2026.
Jere has warned that the Bill, in its current form, leaves out important provisions that could lead to future confusion and disputes regarding burial arrangements for former national leaders.
He explained that while the Bill acknowledges that former Presidents and Vice Presidents are entitled to state funerals, it only states that these funerals will be conducted “as prescribed,” meaning another law would need to be enacted later to provide details.
Jere argued that this approach is risky and unnecessary, stating that Parliament should address the issue directly within the current Bill while it is still being debated.
He cited the ongoing legal and public controversy surrounding the burial of former President Edgar Lungu as a clear indication that Zambia needs a properly defined legal framework on state funerals.
According to Jere, leaving the issue vague opens the door for future misunderstandings between the State and families of former leaders, especially when emotions are high and national interest is involved.
Jere stressed that Parliament currently has an opportunity to resolve the matter once and for all by ensuring the Bill contains comprehensive guidelines on how state funerals should be handled.
He further noted that state funerals form part of the retirement benefits of former leaders and should not be treated as a secondary issue.
“This is the opportunity to deal with the issue now while the Bill is in Parliament,” Jere said.
In addition, Jere raised concern over unanswered questions regarding retirement houses provided to former Presidents and Vice Presidents, including whether such houses can be sold, rented out, or mortgaged.
He warned that failure to address these matters in law could create unnecessary complications in the future.
Jere has since called on lawmakers to strengthen the Bill by using past experiences and ensuring that the country’s laws are clear, practical and forward-looking.
