Archdiocese Calls for Mass as Archbishop Alick Banda Faces Renewed DEC Summons

The Archdiocese of Lusaka has expressed concern over renewed summons issued to Archbishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission and has called on the Catholic faithful to gather for a special Mass before he reports to the Commission.

According to a statement issued by the Archdiocese on 25 September 2026, Archbishop Banda is expected to appear before the DEC at 10:00 hours on Monday, 28 September.

The Archdiocese says Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at 08:00 hours on the same day in solidarity with the Archbishop before he proceeds to the DEC.

It has called on clergy, religious and lay faithful to remain united in prayer and peaceful as the matter proceeds, while expressing what it described as deep concern for the Archbishop's safety and well-being.

“Our Archbishop is not alone,” the Archdiocese said, adding that the Church would stand with him through prayer and solidarity.

The statement also called for prayers for justice, truth and peace throughout the process.

The renewed summons comes months after Archbishop Banda appeared before the DEC's Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit in January.

At the time, the DEC said its investigation concerned a Toyota Hilux allegedly belonging to the Zambia Revenue Authority which Archbishop Banda was suspected of possessing between April 2021 and December 2023. The Commission said he was warned and cautioned in connection with suspected unlawful possession of the vehicle and that investigations were continuing.

The DEC previously rejected claims that its investigation was politically motivated, maintaining that the matter had been under investigation for some time and that the summons was part of its investigative process.

The Archdiocese has encouraged Catholics able to attend Monday's Mass to do so while remaining “peaceful in spirit” as Archbishop Banda responds to the summons.