Her father, former president Edgar Lungu, died in June in South Africa where he had been receiving medical care. His death triggered a tense legal battle between the Lungu family and the government of President Hakainde Hichilema over where and how the funeral should take place. Media reports say the family insists the late leader made it clear that Hichilema should “not be anywhere near” his body, while the government argues that the sitting president must attend any state funeral. As the deadlock persists, the former president’s remains remain in South Africa.
Tasila Lungu has been appearing in South African courts as part of the legal fight against an earlier ruling that backed the government’s position. Her extended stay abroad prompted questions from the ruling United Party for National Development, which asked whether she was still qualified to hold office. The speaker, Nelly Mutti, initially granted her compassionate leave, asking her to return when parliament resumed in September, but she did not attend.
Parliament later wrote to her again. Instead of returning, she requested more time, citing the unresolved burial case, and asked to participate virtually. The matter was sent to the parliamentary committee on privileges and absences, which invited her to appear on 18 November. She did not attend. The committee recommended allowing her to represent her constituency online until burial arrangements were finalised, but Mutti rejected the idea, saying virtual attendance could not replace physical representation.
In a message to her constituents, Lungu thanked councillors, community workers and staff for continuing to serve the public during her absence. A by-election is expected within 90 days, even though Zambia is preparing for a national vote next August. The decision has divided opinion. Some argue she should be granted more time to mourn. Others say her constituency has been left without proper representation. Independent MP Binwell Mpundu accused the government of acting in bad faith, criticising officials for claiming to sympathise with the Lungu family while simultaneously challenging them in court and forcing Tasila Lungu out of parliament.