Three of Zambia’s recognised Paramount Chiefs have opposed an application seeking the recognition of Chief Mukuni as a Paramount Chief and have asked the court to allow them to join the case. Zambia currently has four recognised Paramount Chiefs: Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, the Litunga of the Lozi people, Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa people and Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people. In his affidavit, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu said recognising another Paramount Chief could encourage junior chiefs across the country to challenge existing traditional authorities. He said his chiefdom covers several districts, including Mungwi, Kasama, Mporokoso, Luwingu, Chinsali and Mpika, where numerous senior chiefs, chiefs, deputy chiefs and headmen owe allegiance to his authority. He said the outcome could set a precedent on how Paramount Chiefs are created or recognised in future.