The National Assembly of Zambia has continued its outreach programme of sensitising the public on the roles, functions and operations of the National Assembly. In a quest to taking Parliament closer to the people, a Road Show was conducted at Lupili market and Muombe turnoff on Saturday, 3rd June, 2017.

Gracing the event, area Member of Parliament, Mr Sebastian C Kopulande, MP, thanked the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia for sending a team of staff to his constituency for the sensitisation exercise. He underscored the importance of the Road Shows in explaining the responsibilities and roles of a Member of Parliament as well as the Constituency Office. Mr Kopulande expressed gratitude to the people of Chembe for responding positively by turning up in big numbers for the Road Shows.

And speaking at the same event, National Assembly Senior Committee Clerk, Mr Francis Nabulyato called on the people of Chembe Constituency to take keen interest in the activities of the legislature. He added that, it is for this reason that constituency offices have been established in each of the 156 constituencies. Mr Nabulyato implored the people of Chembe to effectively make use of the Constituency Office in order to foster development in their area. He stressed that, the office is a focal point to communicate with the area Member of Parliament even when he is away in Lusaka for parliamentary business. Mr Nabulyato thanked the Irish Aid for their continued support to the National Assembly in outreach programmes which include road and mounted shows.

The Road Show was also attended by the Acting District Commissioner for Chembe, Mr Goodwin Katakwe who thanked the Speaker for selecting Chembe Constituency as a beneficiary of the National Assembly Road Shows.

In the meantime, the people of Chembe who turned out in big numbers at both Lupili market and Muombe turnoff were charmed by the Road and Mounted Shows Brand Ambassador, Frank Chirwa, 'aka' Afunika and his crew who gave them a splendid performance worth their time and could not help but to demand for more. Afunika engaged the audiences as he distributed the National Assembly of Zambia branded T'shirts, Caps and Pens by asking them questions on the presentations made as feedback coupled with his thrilling 'on stage' moves which made him a marvel to watch.

Road and Mounted Shows are a component of the National Assembly Communication Strategy and focuses on four key areas of sensitization, namely; Roles and Functions of the National Assembly, Role of the Member of Parliament and Constituency Offices, the Committee system in the National Assembly of Zambia and available opportunities for public participation. This exercise is conducted with support from the Irish Aid. This year, two Road Shows have been conducted in Lufubu and Chembe constituencies. The next two destinations are Ikeleng'i and Sioma constituencies in July and August respectively.