Foundation defends mausoleum amid criticism over Paul Banda’s medical needs
The Lucius Banda Foundation has defended the construction of the late musician Lucius Banda’s mausoleum, saying resources used for the project were voluntarily contributed by his friends and were not taken from funds meant for his ailing brother, Paul Banda.
The Foundation was responding to remarks by Alexious Kamangira, who questioned why resources used to construct the mausoleum were not instead channelled towards Paul Banda’s medical treatment.
In a statement dated August 27, 2026, Foundation spokesperson Samuel Khwiya said the remarks create the impression that the family prioritised the mausoleum over Paul’s health.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the issue is not that money meant for Paul Banda was taken and used to construct the Mausoleum,” Khwiya said.
He explained that the mausoleum was initiated by Lucius Banda’s friends, who voluntarily contributed their own resources to give the late musician a dignified final resting place.
The Foundation said the friends were aware of Paul Banda’s health situation but chose to honour Lucius through the project.
Khwiya said people have the right to decide which causes they want to support and should not be criticised for choosing to honour a deceased friend.
“There is no question that Paul Banda needs support for his medical treatment. This is a matter that deserves our collective attention and action,” he said.
The Foundation has instead called for efforts to focus on raising money for Paul’s treatment through fundraising campaigns, well-wishers, companies and other organisations.
“The most meaningful response to a person’s need is to help meet that need,” Khwiya said.
The Foundation also appealed for sensitivity when discussing the Banda family, saying the family has already experienced significant loss and pain.
It said supporting Paul Banda and honouring Lucius Banda should not be treated as competing causes.
“We can support Paul Banda while respecting those who chose to honour Lucius Banda,” the statement said.
The Foundation said it remains committed to preserving Lucius Banda’s legacy while supporting genuine efforts to assist people in need.
“There is room for both compassion for the living and honour for the departed,” it said.
