Reigniting The Roar: D413 CHARTS BOLD PATH for service, growth, discipline

By John Chola

LUSAKA, Zambia – 31 January, 2026

Lions Clubs International District 413-Zambia held its 3rd Cabinet Meeting in a gathering marked by renewed resolve, candid reflection and an unmistakable recommitment to the ideals of Lionism—service, leadership and unity.

The Cabinet members – Regional and Zone Chairpersons, alongside Senior Cabinet Officials and Past District Governors, among them PDG Patrick Bulundo MJF, PDG Tapiwa Chikumbu PMJF, Dr George Banda MJF, FVDG Lex Chisulo MJF, and SVDG Fredrick Banda MJF, whose presence underscored continuity of leadership and institutional memory within the District.

Presiding over the meeting, District Governor Maureen Bwalya-Kamanga, MJF, delivered a comprehensive report themed “Reignite the Passion to Serve – Have Fun!”, offering both encouragement and a sober assessment of the District’s performance midway through the 2025/2026 Lionistic Year.

Under the District’s ambitious service agenda, DG Bwalya-Kamanga reported that 108,933 people had been served as of 24 January 2026, through 221 reported service activities, supported by 9,544.65 volunteer hours contributed collectively by Lions and Leos across all global causes.

While commending the level of commitment demonstrated, the Governor emphasized that service impact must be made visible, urging clubs to prioritize timely and accurate reporting on the MyLion platform, noting that several activities remained in draft form.

Zone and Region Chairpersons were specifically called upon to support clubs lagging in reporting, reinforcing accountability as a pillar of effective service delivery.

Leadership Development and Governance Discipline

Leadership development featured prominently in the deliberations, with the District continuing to invest in capacity building, succession planning and club officer performance.

A number of trainings – including Guiding Lions Training, Regional Leadership Institutes (RLLI), LCIF Training and Joint Regional Workshops—were highlighted as part of a deliberate strategy to nurture emerging leaders and strengthen club governance.

However, the Governor did not shy away from addressing challenges.

She observed that some club presidents and officers were not fully embracing leadership structures, communication protocols and district-instituted support mechanisms, warning that such gaps undermine stability and growth.

In response, Guiding Lions were appointed to selected clubs requiring stabilization and governance support, including Makeni, Rosewood, Chelstone, Chudleigh, Longacres, Ndola Kafubu, Thandizani, Solwezi Cluster, Kabwe and Jesmondine.

Clubs were urged to fully cooperate with these interventions to ensure sustainable performance.

Mission 1.5 and Membership Growth

On membership, the District recorded 74 new members against 118 drops between July 2025 and January 2026, resulting in a net loss of 44 members, with December accounting for the majority of drops.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to Mission 1.5, calling for structured recruitment drives, digital visibility and stronger retention strategies.

Addressing the Cabinet, SVDG Fredrick Banda MJF, offered strong reassurance to the District leadership.
“The governors are with you. We have your back. Do not hold back on your requests—whether for presence, resources or guidance. Let us help this team, because Lions Clubs International is watching us,” he said.

He further commended the improving trend in service reporting and encouraged clubs to seek help where capacity gaps exist, stressing that “we are doing a lot, but we must tell our story.”

LCIF: The Heartbeat of Global Impact

LCIF emerged as a key area requiring urgent attention. Against a District target of US$65,950, contributions stood at US$ 12,148 as of December 2025.

The Governor passionately called on clubs to make LCIF-giving a planned and consistent activity, reminding members that even small contributions collectively enable large-scale humanitarian impact.

The meeting also celebrated outstanding generosity and commitment, with recognition of new Melvin Jones Fellows and Progressive MJFs, including a special moment of applause for Lion Genevive, whose US$1,000 contribution exemplified sacrificial giving in service of humanity.

A Continental Perspective on Growth

Adding continental weight to the discussions, PID Dr Hastings Chiti, Constitutional Area 8 Tag Leader for Africa, challenged the District to become a “mouth of discourse”—a centre of ideas, growth and productivity.

He urged Lions to leverage opportunities such as government CDF resources, form cooperatives and ensure that clubs in areas like Chinsali, Solwezi and Suningdale not only survive but thrive.

Convention Call and Closing Charge

As the meeting drew to a close, concern was raised over low registration numbers for the upcoming District Convention scheduled for 23–26 April 2026, with only 39 members registered at the time.

The Governor issued a firm but hopeful call for immediate action, reminding members that constitutional legitimacy and vibrant participation begin with commitment.

In her closing remarks, DG Bwalya-Kamanga called on all leaders to recommit themselves to disciplined leadership, cooperation and sustainable growth, urging unity of purpose as the District advances through the Lionistic Year.

“Together, let us continue to serve with unity and renewed passion,” she said.

The meeting concluded on a high note, transitioning into matters of ethics and reaffirming the District’s resolve to reignite the roar of service, strengthen governance and leave a lasting humanitarian footprint—locally, nationally and globally.