June 5, 2026, marks a somber anniversary: one year since the passing of former President Lungu in South Africa due to an undisclosed illness. Despite the passage of a full year, his remains lie unburied, caught in a protracted legal dispute between his family and the government regarding his final resting place. This unprecedented and deeply sad delay has become a significant national concern, prompting various stakeholders to weigh in on the ongoing impasse.

Lubinda, a key figure in the discussions, has vocally argued against the continuation of the court cases surrounding Lungu's burial. He contended that the central issue that initially fueled the legal battles – the anticipated attendance of President Hichilema at the burial – has now fallen away, as President Hichilema has indicated he will not attend. Lubinda underscored the profound sadness and the unusual nature of such a year-long delay in interring a former head of state, calling for a swift resolution to the matter.

Adding to the complexity, various religious organizations have distanced themselves from proposed nationwide memorial activities for the late President. The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), through its Executive Director Allan Kasung’ami, issued a directive to all its affiliates and member churches, cautioning them against organizing or participating in such observances. Kasung’ami asserted that any memorial events would be premature before Lungu's burial and took strong exception to any activities being presented as church-endorsed without proper consultation with the EFZ leadership.

Similarly, the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) also clarified its stance, stating unequivocally that it was neither participating in nor endorsing the proposed memorials. Reverend Canon James Phiri, the General Secretary of the CCZ, emphasized that the nation’s foremost priority should be to achieve a dignified and mutually agreeable resolution to the outstanding burial matters, rather than engaging in premature commemorative events. This collective stance from major religious bodies highlights the sensitivity and ongoing unresolved nature of the situation.

Further complicating the legal landscape surrounding the former President's affairs is a recent development concerning his family's legal representation. The significant appointment of Justice Ngcukaitobi, a move that marks a pivotal moment for his distinguished career and carries broader implications for legal practice and public service, has necessitated a change. To avoid any potential conflict of interest, a new legal representative must now be appointed for the family of the late former President Edgar Lungu in matters where Justice Ngcukaitobi was previously involved. This transition underscores the intricate legal entanglements that continue to surround Lungu's legacy, even a year after his passing.