14/09/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT: CEO ENGAGES HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS CHIEF MBUMBA, HIGHLIGHTS HISTORIC ROLE OF MAKUMBA IN THE MABUMBA CHIEFTAINSHIP
MANSA, ZAMBIA – The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Baushi Royal Foundation (BRF), Mr. Prince Kasongo Shapi Chimese, has continued his official working visit to Mansa with a high-level consultation with His Royal Highness Chief Mabumba.
The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between the BRF and the Mabumba Royal Establishment to harness the region’s natural resource endowments, optimize chiefdom operations, and preserve the cultural heritage of Ubwaushi. Key agenda items included the management of the Chabuka Ne Sandulula Traditional Ceremony, leadership succession in the Matanda Chiefdom, appreciation of Makumba in the cultural history of Ubwaushi, and other broader socio-cultural matters affecting all the Ushi Chiefdoms.
Central to these discussions was the reaffirmed commitment to honor and preserve the unique cultural and spiritual legacy of the Mabumba Chieftainship as the sole custodian of Makumba, the supreme territorial deity of the Ushi people.
Historically, Makumba played a strategic and spiritual significance in the Mabumba Chieftainship. The diety was the foundation of political legitimacy, being the source of all political authority. A ruler's legitimacy within the Ushi nation is directly validated through stewardship of Makumba and its sacred rituals under the Mabumba/Milambo Royal Establishments.
Makumba also bestowed socio-economic and ecological safeguard of the Ushi Nation. As a high territorial deity distinct from lineage ancestral spirits (mipashi), Makumba historically functioned as the supreme guardian of Ushi prosperity. The Mabumba Royal Establishment oversaw vital rites for rainmaking, favorable fishing in the Luapula river systems, and agricultural fertility, including the distribution of blessed seeds from Makumba’s shrine to ensure bountiful harvests.
In addition, Makumba also offered cultural sovereignty and protection. Symbolizing Ushi identity, sanctuary, and defense, Makumba remains a foundational pillar of the Ushi people’s heritage.
His Royal Highness Chief Mabumba emphasised this heritage by saying:
"As abaUshi, there's need to be truthful in all we do if progress is to be there. Truth is intolerant of error. History should not be killed for personal gain but appreciated. Makumba is very important. Akamana kabula intulo kalakama (A river which has no source dries up.) Therefore, you can't forget about Makumba and expect things to be well."
As of today, the Mabumba Royal Establishment continues to preserve these sacred traditions, shrine protocols, and collective memories as the ultimate symbol of regional unity.
The CEO assured His Royal Highness Mabumba, that:
"As an organization, our core business is to provide a unified platform that supports chiefdom operations and fosters regional development. In our engagement with Your Royal Highness, we pledged tp deep3n our partnership with the Mabumba Royal Establishment to ensure that this sacred, cultural heritage is both safeguarded and leveraged for the sustainable development of ubwaUshi".
The CEO's official working visit to Ushi Chiefdoms is ongoing.
Issued by:
BRF Secretariat
Mansa, Zambia
14 September, 2026
Visit us at: https://www.baushi.com