Isaac Mwanza and Zambia Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) v the Attorney General 2024/CCZ/008

Authors

Emmanuel Banda, University of Zambia, LLB

Publication Date

5-2025

Abstract

This contribution considers Isaac Mwanza and Zambia Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) v Attorney General, a case challenging the constitutionality of longstanding penal provisions criminalising same-sex relations. The author takes issue with the Constitutional Court’s refusal to entertain the matter on jurisdictional grounds, arguing that it misconstrued the relationship between Articles 28 and 128 of the Constitution. By deferring entirely to the High Court on Bill of Rights issues, the author contends, the Constitutional Court has left a significant gap: legislation that may violate fundamental rights now lacks a clear constitutional forum for challenge. The piece underscores a persistent ambiguity in Zambia’s constitutional framework regarding access to justice for rights-based claims.

Recommended Citation

Banda, Emmanuel (2025) "Isaac Mwanza and Zambia Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) v the Attorney General 2024/CCZ/008," SAIPAR Case Review: Vol. 8: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/scr/vol8/iss1/6