A social media publication attributed statements to Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Chairperson Bishop Dr. Joe Imakando, claiming he attended an emergency virtual prayer meeting for President Hakainde Hichilema and advised him to take a three-month leave. However, EFZ disputed the publication and said its senior leaders were outside Zambia on separate engagements. The claims about the President’s health and the alleged advice have not been independently verified.
Claim
On 13 October 2026, a social media publication by Hon. Emmanuel Jay Banda attributed statements to Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Chairperson Bishop Dr. Joe Imakando, claiming that he had attended an emergency virtual meeting of bishops to pray for President Hakainde Hichilema over alleged failing health. The publication further claimed that Bishop Imakando advised the President to take a three-month leave, reconcile with political opponents and avoid visits to Mandevu and the Copperbelt.
Verdict: MISLEADING
Rating Justification
The publication is misleading because EFZ disputed the account and clarified that its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson were on separate engagements outside Zambia. The information provided by EFZ does not substantiate the claims attributed to Bishop Imakando or establish the allegations concerning the President’s health.
In a statement issued on 13 October 2026, EFZ condemned the social media publication, saying its content appeared intended to tarnish the reputation of the Fellowship and its leadership.
EFZ clarified that its Chairperson, Bishop Dr. Joe Imakando, was on an apostolic mission trip to New Zealand and Australia, while its Vice Chairperson, Professor Bishop Joshua HK Banda, was in Ghana attending the World Congress of the Assemblies of God.
The Fellowship also stated that it had reported the matter to Meta and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) for their attention and appropriate action.
The social media publication attributes statements and events to EFZ leaders whose reported whereabouts contradict the account presented. Claims about the President’s health remain unverified by the EFZ statement and should not be presented as established facts.321
The claims about the President’s health and the alleged advice should therefore not be presented as established facts.
Evidence: EFZ statement issued on 13 October 2026
Help Stop the Spread of Misinformation
Before sharing claims about public affairs, check the original source, date and context of statements, photographs and videos.
If you encounter suspicious claims, images or videos, submit them to iVerify Zambia for verification.
- Email: factcheck@panos.org.zm
- WhatsApp: +260 762 974 750
Together, we can reduce the spread of misinformation and disinformation, promote access to accurate information, and protect the integrity of public discourse.
