The Role of Traditional Ceremonies in the Preservation of Zambia’s Cultural Heritage with Regards to Umutomboko Ceremony of the Lunda Speaking People: A Case of Two Selected Districts in Luapula Province of Zambia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of traditional ceremonies, with a particular focus on the Umutomboko ceremony of the Lunda speaking people, in preserving Zambia'; cultural heritage within two selected districts, Mwansabombwe and Nchelenge of Luapula province. This study was guided by three specific objectives: First to examine the effects of the Umutomboko ceremony on the preservation of Zambia'; cultural heritage among the Lunda speaking people, second, to assess the extent to which Umutomboko ceremony has contributed to the preservation of Zambia'; cultural heritage and to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies imployed during the ceremony in preserving. Zambia'; cultural heritage among the Lunda speaking community. A descriptive survey research design was employed, utilizing a mixed methods approach. The study involved a sample of 120 respondents, selected through purposive and simple random sampling procedures. Data collection was facilitated through a Questionnaire are and interview guides. For data analysis, SPSS and excel were utilized for quantitative data. While thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses. The findings revealed that the Umutomboko ceremony significantly contributes to the preservation of Zambia'; cultural heritage among the Lunda speaking people in the selected districts. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference in perceptions of traditional preservation among various respondent groups. The extent of Umutomboko ceremony ' contributions was found substantial with significant differences in perceived contributions based on participation levels. A strong positive correlation between community engagement and perceived effectiveness of these strategies was established. Finally, promoting intergenerational participation and knowledge sharing during the Umutomboko ceremony is essential to sustain cultural heritage preservation.