Mukata inspires inmates at Mwembeshi with message of hope, food Donation

By Fulman Mukobeko

Former Chilanga MP Keith Mukata drew a huge crowd as he led more than 1,000 youths and Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church members to Mwembeshi Correctional Facility for the 2026 Global Youth Day, sharing a message of hope and donating food, supplies, and a live bull to inmates.

Mr. Mukata was mobbed by residents as his entourage proceeded to the Mwembeshi turn off, the starting point of the march past for the 2026 Global Youth Day en route to the facility. Residents, mostly youths, greeted the group with the “Salt Sana” United Party for National Development (UPND) slogan.

Officers at the correctional facility had a torrid time clearing the entry of the over 1,000 youths who joined Mr. Mukata for the inspirational worship with inmates as part of the Global Youth Day commemoration, themed “Communion in Action”.

Mr. Mukata opened his speech by saying “One day” as inmates responded “Freedom”, urging them not to despair but to remain faithful to God, who gives everlasting freedom.

The former lawmaker, who donated assorted food and non-food items to Mwembeshi Correctional Facility, said inmates must remain resolute and find peace and the love of God.

He said youths — both inmates and those outside — must remember that God forgives and grants freedom to anyone who accepts Him.

“The youth that are incarcerated…it is not the end, you are destined for greatness. God loves you, so you shouldn’t wallow in self-pity. This is a recharge point because if you stay on God’s side or get to know God, everything will open up for you,” he recalled. “I was in this particular situation before. I am a survivor because I have God on my side. I learnt that it is not by my power or might but by God’s grace. God opens every door and I am doing much better now than before. I am a living testimony that with God, everything is possible.”

Mr. Mukata added: “Our coming here this morning is to share some communion, to encourage and also embed that realization that young people incarcerated and those that are outside are guaranteed that even as a Christian, there will be strife. You are guaranteed that at some point, you will pass through some sort of trial and tribulation but that in itself is an opportunity. God allows those situations to prepare you for greatness. Rather than wallowing in self pity, rather than giving up, it is a reminder for young people to get to God. It is only through God that everything the youth seek, everything that the youth aspire for can be realized. It is not by our power but by the spirit,” Mr. Mukata said.

While everyone was a potential prisoner, Mr. Mukata said people outside must not scorn or look down on inmates.

Giving the example of the prodigal son in the New Testament of the Bible, the former MP said society must welcome and embrace inmates after they have served their sentence.

Mr. Mukata pledged to continue supporting inmates of Mwembeshi Correctional Facility.

“I thank the SDA Church and authorities of Mwembeshi Correctional Facility for opening the door for us. We shall continue giving our support,” Mr. Mukata said.

Pastor Harvey Siachuma of West Wood Mission Seventh Day Adventist said people society rejects and rebukes are often uplifted by God.

In his sermon, Pastor Siachuma said some people were punished for wrongs they did not commit but urged them to continue believing in God.

Pastor Siachuma paid special compliments to Mr. Mukata for donating food and non-food items to Mwembeshi Remand Correctional Facility, including a healthy bull for inmates.

“You have done the work of God,” Pastor Siachuma said.