Zed Lens

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has learnt with profound sadness of the death of Emmanuel Bwalya, a second-year student in the School of Humanities at the University of Zambia(UNZA) and has called for calm among students at the higher institution

Mr Hichilema is sad that, Emmanuel, a young Zambian youth with a bright future ahead of him, is no more.

"His loss is truly a tragedy. A tragedy for his family, his fellow students, and to the nation at large," the President said in a statement by State House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka.

Mr Hamasaka said that the Head of State extends his deepest condolences to Emmanuel's family, to the entire University community, and to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

"The President calls on all students to remain calm and to respond to this moment through dialogue, with restraint, and with the shared resolve to find lasting solutions.

"Let this be a moment where we come together with a shared commitment to resolving the challenges facing not only the University of Zambia, but all higher learning institutions and colleges. No further loss is acceptable. No family should ever receive this kind of news again," Mr Hichilema said.

The President asks that Zambians keep Emmanuel's family in their thoughts and prayers.

Emmanuel, 18, drowned at the university amidst protests against long standing water and sanitation issues at UNZA.

Credit: (Mwebantu, Thursday, 2nd April, 2026)

President Hichilema mourns UNZA student as he calls for peace. PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has learnt with profound sadness of the death of Emmanuel Bwalya, a second-year student in the School of Humanities at the University of Zambia(UNZA) and has called for calm among students at the higher institution of learning.
Mr Hichilema is sad that, Emmanuel, a young...