The 2026 First Cohort of Council Police Officers has officially passed out, marking a major milestone in the strengthening of local governance, public order, and community safety in Zambia.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony held at Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute in Chongwe, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, described the pass out as a critical step in supporting Governmentβs accelerated decentralisation agenda.
The Minister emphasized that with increased responsibilities now devolved to local authorities, there is a growing need for professional, disciplined, and people centred law enforcement at council level. He noted that the Professional Development Programme, delivered in partnership with the Zambia Police and paramilitary training institutions, was designed to equip council police officers with practical skills in by law enforcement, community policing, human rights, conflict management, investigations, and operational readiness.
Hon. Sialubalo further reaffirmed Governmentβs resolve to end cadreism and restore law and order in markets, bus stations, and other public spaces, stressing that council police officers are central to this transformation. He urged the graduating officers to serve with integrity, fairness, and professionalism, reminding them that they are the face of local government in communities.
The Minister also highlighted the vital role of council police officers in supporting local revenue mobilisation through effective enforcement of by laws, parking regulations, market controls, and licensing systems, calling on principal officers in local authorities to fully utilise their services.
He concluded by reiterating governments commitment under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema to building strong, accountable institutions capable of delivering quality services to citizens.
To the graduating officers, the message was clear: this was not the end of training, but the beginning of a demanding and honourable professional journey in service of councils and communities across Zambia.
