Miles Sampa has filed a lawsuit against the Chief Registrar of Societies and the Attorney General, challenging the decision to alter the list of office bearers of the Patriotic Front (PF), removing him as party president.
Sampa, who claims to be the duly elected PF president, has sought leave from the Lusaka High Court to commence judicial review proceedings.
He argues that the Registrar of Societies’ decision is illegal, alleging it contravenes Rule 15 of the Societies Rules under the Societies Act, Chapter 119 of the Laws of Zambia. The rule outlines the lawful procedure for modifying office bearers of a registered society.
He contends that the decision was procedurally improper, as he and other concerned PF members were not given an opportunity to be heard before the amendment, which he says violates principles of natural justice.
He claims the decision was irrational as it was made without due consideration of the PF constitution and the governing provisions of the Societies Act.
Sampa is seeking several remedies from the court, including an order of certiorari to quash the Registrar of Societies’ decision to amend the list of PF office bearers, an order of prohibition restraining the Registrar from implementing or enforcing the amendments and a declaration that the decision to amend the PF office bearers’ list is ultra vires the Societies Act and therefore null and void.
He is also requesting a directive ordering the Registrar to revert to the previous list of PF office bearers, a stay of the Registrar’s decision pending full determination of the matter and damages for alleged misfeasance in public office.
In an affidavit filed in support of his application, Sampa states that he was elected PF president at a general conference on October 24, 2023, and subsequently appointed a central committee, including Morgan Ng’ona as Secretary General (SG).
On October 30, 2023, Principal Registrar Mwambazi issued a document confirming Sampa as PF president.
Sampa alleges that after assuming office, disciplinary issues involving Ng’ona led to his dismissal as SG, after which Sampa assumed the role in an interim capacity.
He claims that on June 28, 2024, he formally notified the Registrar of Societies about Ng’ona’s removal.
However, he states that on July 4, 2024, an electronic application was made through the Registrar’s online platform to change PF’s office bearers, allegedly by Ng’ona. The application included meeting minutes, identity documents, and fingerprints clearance.
Sampa contends that the Registrar unilaterally amended the list without consulting him or other legitimate office bearers, despite prior communication notifying them of Ng’ona’s dismissal.
Upon raising concerns, Sampa claims the Registrar’s office disregarded his earlier correspondence.
He also alleges that his attempts to reverse the changes were obstructed, as he was informed that six office bearers, including Ng’ona, needed to sign off on the reversal.
Sampa asserts that the Registrar’s decision has caused confusion and disrupted PF’s internal governance.
He states that despite his legal representatives notifying the Registrar of his intention to pursue judicial review, the office declined to acknowledge service of the letter.
In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security denied any wrongdoing in a letter dated January 16, 2025, asserting that the Registrar acted in compliance with the law.
Sampa’s lawyers later refuted this claim, reiterating that the Registrar’s actions were unlawful.
Sampa argues that the Registrar exceeded their jurisdiction by altering the PF leadership list without following the proper legal procedures.
He is seeking the court’s intervention, citing procedural impropriety, illegality, and irrationality in the decision-making process.
