UP Zambia - Undikumbukire Project

25/06/2026

UP Zambia has been part of the CSO Leads program lead by People in Need Zambia, supporting capacity building, partnerships, and advocacy.

"As CSOs, we have to act as the bridge between government and the community."

This reflection from Mainza Natala from the Undikubukire project captures the vital role that civil society organisations play in promoting accountability, citizen participation, and inclusive development.

Over the past week, mid-level Civil Society Organisations participating in the EU CSO LEADs Project came together to strengthen their skills in policy engagement, evidence-based advocacy, social accountability, participatory decision-making, and Human Rights-Based Approaches (HRBA).

Through peer learning, practical exercises, and dialogue, participants explored how to translate community concerns into evidence-informed advocacy, engage constructively with duty bearers, and strengthen accountability in the management of public resources.

As Alan Chingambo from the Cashew Growers Association of Zambia noted:

"This training is helping us build the capacity of communities to engage duty bearers, use evidence effectively, and ensure public resources are used responsibly."

Strong civil society organisations are essential for ensuring that the voices of women, youth, and marginalised groups are represented in policy and decision-making processes. By investing in their capacity, we are supporting locally driven solutions that contribute to more responsive and accountable governance.

The Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society LEADs Project is jointly implemented by People in Need (PIN) and the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection with funding from the European Union in Zambia .

17/06/2026

We are grateful to everyone for your contributions made towards our Cold Season Campaign so far. Your kindness is providing vital comfort to children in correctional facilities across the country during this cold season. As the cold season continues, our campaign is still open for donations.

To learn more or to contribute, please refer to the contact details on the flyer below. Thank you for standing with us to bring warmth and dignity to these young lives.

05/06/2026

Since its founding in 2014, UP Zambia has reached out to correctional facilities across Zambia to support children in custody. With temperatures that drop down to as low as 2C/34F, keeping warm through a long night in a cell is difficult. This year, UP Zambia will go to 9 facilities across 4 provinces to reach and and support teens and babies/toddlers in detention. We need your help to provide warm clothing, toiletries, hot meals, and drinks to over 500 children to keep them warm this cold season. Our outreach brings essential items, celebration, and hope.

We depend on the local community and international supporters to bring this campaign into reality. We accept donations of items and funds. To organize donation drop offs please contact the UP Zambia office at 0974952012. If your company, church, or social group is interested in getting involved please reach out to the number above or [email protected].

To give internationally go to: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/keep-warm-500-zambian-teens-in-detention/

Together we can keep children warm!

03/06/2026

BRINGING JUSTICE CLOSER: MOBILE COURTS LAUNCHED IN CHIPATA AND KATETE

Undikumbukire Project Zambia (UP Zambia), working alongside key justice sector stakeholders, has successfully launched Mobile Courts in Chipata and Katete, making Eastern Province the fifth province in Zambia to operationalize this important initiative.

Ahead of the inaugural court sessions, stakeholders from across the justice sector (including the Judiciary, National Prosecution Authority, Zambia Police Service, Social Welfare, Immigration, Legal Aid Board, local government representatives and other partners ) met to strengthen coordination and discuss implementation strategies. The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated during these discussions reflected a shared vision of bringing justice closer to the people.

Representing the Judge-in-Charge, the Principal Resident Magistrate emphasized the critical role of Mobile Courts in improving access to justice, reducing case backlogs, easing congestion in correctional facilities, and ensuring timely resolution of cases. Mobile Courts were described as a symbol of hope, fairness and the rule of law reaching communities that might otherwise face significant barriers in accessing justice.

The first Mobile Court sitting in Eastern Province was successfully held on 28 May, 2026 at the Chipata Central Correctional Facility. The session heard matters involving both male and female inmates, resulting in one accused person being discharged while several other cases were concluded through sentencing.

UP Zambia remains committed to supporting innovative approaches that advance human rights, strengthen justice systems, and ensure that justice is accessible to all, particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities.

20/05/2026

Mobile Court Project Gets Ready For the East!

As the project gears up to launch in Eastern Province, the Lusaka team is making sure no one is left behind in the meantime.

On 5 May 2026, three magistrates from the Chongwe Subordinate Court — Hon. Mukuka, Hon. Simwatachela, and Hon. Sato, held a mobile court session right inside Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, hearing a total of 58 cases.

Here's a quick breakdown of the day:
1. Hon. Mukuka handled 20 cases from the facility's storeroom. Most received new court dates, with one suspended sentence and one immigration fine.
2. Hon. Simwatachela heard 16 cases and passed 5 sentences. He informed the Prosecution that there was one case requiring urgent attention to which the Prosecution committed to resolve.
3. Hon. Sato presided over 22 cases. Five people received custodial sentences, eight prohibited immigrants were fined, and the rest were given new court dates.

Throughout the session, magistrates heard directly from inmates about their concerns and promised to follow up. Legal Aid and UPZambia was on the ground too, making sure everyone had access to representation.

This is what access to justice looks like in action. And with Eastern Province next on the map, this project is only getting started.

The Mobile Courts Initiative is supported by the Embassy of Ireland

13/05/2026

Are you interested in building your finance work experience while supporting impactful work? Apply for an UP Zambia internship!

To Apply - Send your CV and a one-page cover letter to [email protected] cc [email protected] Deadline for receiving applications is 17.00hrs CAT on Friday 15th May 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For full details visit https://gozambiajobs.com/jobs/472372080-finance-admin-intern

08/04/2026

UP Zambia and Save the Children at the LAZ Annual General Meeting

UP Zambia and Save the Children International are in Livingstone! As part of the Joint Anti-Trafficking in Persons (JTIP) Program, a joint initiative of the United States and Zambian governments, we have set up a booth at this year's Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) Law Conference and Annual General Meeting.

With all of Zambia's brightest legal minds gathered under one roof, there's no better place to start important conversations about trafficking in persons (TIP). We're here to share knowledge, spark discussions, and most importantly, encourage advocates to take up cases involving trafficked persons and vulnerable migrants, so that their rights are upheld in the legal system.
So come say hello at our booth in the conference centre! While you're there, take a shot at our super easy quiz 😉 — you might just walk away with some great freebies!

Comprehensive Bilateral Anti-Human Trafficking Program is an initiative funded by the United States Department of State and awarded to Save the Children Zambia and implemented in partnership with UP Zambia and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).

17/03/2026

The Joint Trafficking in Persons Program (JTIP) hosted a Legal Aid Service Providers Workshop in Chipata aimed at equipping and training participants, while strengthening collaboration among legal service providers and frontline workers.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders to enhance coordination, share knowledge, and strengthen a survivor-centered response to human trafficking.

UP Zambia remains committed to supporting efforts that improve access to justice and protect vulnerable communities.

The Comprehensive Bilateral Anti-Human Trafficking Program is an initiative funded by the United States Department of State and awarded to Save the Children Zambia, and implemented in partnership with UP Zambia and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).

17/03/2026

In celebration of Youth Day, a donation was made possible by a generous anonymous donor and facilitated through Undikumbukire Project Zambia. Essential hygiene items including soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes were donated to children in detention at Kamwala Remand Correctional Facility.

This gesture goes beyond meeting basic needs, it is a reminder of dignity, care and hope. We are deeply grateful for partnerships and acts of kindness that continue to show young people that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

13/03/2026

UP Zambia, Save the Children and YWCA celebrate Youth day in Chipata!

As part of Youth Day 2026 celebrations at Chipata Stadium, the JTIP exhibition stand brought together teams from Undikumbukire Project Zambia, Save the Children, and YWCA, to raise awareness about human trafficking while engaging the community.

We were honored to have distinguished guests in attendance:
• Dr. L. Mwape, Deputy Permanent Secretary – Eastern Province (Guest of Honor)
• Mr. G. Mwanza, Mayor of Chipata City
• Ms. Elida Mwanza, District Commissioner – Chipata

Together, we continue to inspire youth to arise and soar, building a safer, brighter, and more just future.

The Comprehensive Bilateral Anti-Human Trafficking Program is an initiative funded by the United States Department of State and awarded to Save the Children Zambia, and implemented in partnership with UP Zambia and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA Zambia).