Audio article Listen to this story Share Send this story THE Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has barred ward councillors from using the title “Honourable,” saying it is not legally assigned to their offices. The ministry has also cautioned council…

Audio article Listen to this story Share Send this story THE Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has barred ward councillors from using the title “Honourable,” saying it is not legally assigned to their offices. The ministry has also cautioned council chairpersons against styling themselves as “Mayor” when they do not preside over city or municipal councils. In a circular dated September 30, 2026, Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr. Gabriel Pollen said the ministry had observed an increasing trend where councillors and chairpersons were adopting titles not provided for in law. He said the title “Honourable” is reserved exclusively for Members of Parliament and Judges of the Superior Courts, while “Mayor” is restricted to presiding officers of city and municipal councils. Those presiding over town councils should be addressed as Council Chairperson, he clarified. “All individuals currently holding these positions are directed to immediately cease the use of titles for which their offices do not qualify,” Dr. Pollen said. He warned that continued use of unauthorised titles amounts to impersonation and undermines the formal hierarchy of the local government system. The directive applies to all serving civic leaders and future office holders. Dr. Pollen has further directed town clerks and council secretaries to ensure correct titles are reflected in official correspondence, signage and public introductions, and instructed the Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute to incorporate the protocol into orientation and training for civic leaders.

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