Baroness Patricia Scotland Crowned Village Headwoman in Bweengwa Village and Honored with Zambia’s Highest Civilian Award

KALUMBU LUMPA|March 3, 2025

***Senior Chief Hamusonde Crowns Baroness Patricia Scotland as Headwoman Butambo of Bweengwa Village in the Hamusonde Chiefdom, Monze District, Southern Province, Zambia. Photo: State House, Zambia***

In a historic and culturally significant ceremony on March 1, 2025, Baroness Patricia Scotland, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; a 56-nation organization promoting democracy and development, was installed as the Senior Headwoman Butambo of Bweengwa Village in the Hamusonde Chiefdom, Monze District, Southern Province, Zambia.

The coronation, presided over by His Royal Highness Chief Hamusonde, marked a rare honor for an international figure and underscored Scotland’s deep ties to Zambia. The previous day, on February 28, 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema conferred upon her the Order of the Eagle of Zambia – 2nd Division, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of her contributions to peace, justice, and Zambia’s political stability.

The installation ceremony, held in the rural heartland of Bweengwa, drew a large crowd of local residents, dignitaries, and international observers. Chief Hamusonde adorned Baroness Scotland with traditional regalia, symbolizing her new role as Senior Headwoman Butambo.

In Zambian tradition, a headwoman advises the chief, resolves disputes, and oversees social welfare, embodying leadership, unity, and cultural guardianship—qualities reflecting the community’s trust and respect.

The chiefdom honored Scotland for her pivotal role in promoting peace and the rule of law, notably her mediation in the 2017 release of then-opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema from prison during a political crisis.

***President Hakainde Hichilema speaks during the coronation ceremony of Baroness Patricia Scotland as Headwoman. Photo: State House, Zambia***

President Hichilema, was arrested in 2017 and charged with treason.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Hamusonde praised Scotland’s commitment to justice, stating, “Her efforts have strengthened the Commonwealth and touched our people. This honor reflects her service and our gratitude.” He also gifted her cattle, a traditional gesture of respect and prosperity.

On February 28, 2025, at a special investiture ceremony at the Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, President Hichilema bestowed the Order of the Eagle of Zambia – 2nd Division upon Scotland. He lauded her as “a cherished ally” for her advocacy in human rights, women’s empowerment, and climate action, emphasizing her role in Zambia’s democratic journey.

“We recognize not just a diplomat, but a true friend,” Hichilema said.

President Hakainde Hichilema confers the Order of the Eagle of Zambia,2nd division. The nation’s highest civilian Honor on Baroness Patricia Scotland. Photo: ***State House, Zambia***

Reflecting on the honors of February 28 and March 1, 2025, Scotland expressed gratitude during the coronation: “I am humbled to be Headwoman Butambo and to receive this award. Zambia holds a special place in my heart.”

Her diplomacy in 2017, fostering dialogue between Hichilema and then-President Edgar Lungu, remains a cornerstone of her recognition.

The events of February 28 and March 1, 2025, sparked widespread discussion about Scotland’s legacy and Zambia’s tradition of honoring contributors to its development.

The dual honors underscore Zambia’s motto, “One Zambia, One Nation, One People,” as noted by Chief Hamusonde. For Baroness Scotland, a Dominican-British barrister and the first woman to serve as Commonwealth Secretary-General since taking office in 2016, the day marked a personal milestone in her illustrious career, which has spanned law, politics, and global diplomacy.

As Bweengwa celebrated its new headwoman with music and dance on March 1, 2025, and Lusaka’s investiture echoes lingered from February 28, 2025, Scotland’s honors stood as a powerful symbol of unity, gratitude, and cross-cultural connection.