United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema was on Saturday among thousands of people that attended the colourful 2018 Kuomboka traditional ceremony of the Lozi people.

But despite President Edgar Lungu staying away, the event was not without confusion as some suspected PF cadres stormed the VIP area, pushing people in the process, and forcing the opposition leader and his entourage from their seats.

The Litunga’s six hour journey across the magnificent Zambezi plains started early morning from Lealui on the royal badge, otherwise known as the Nalikwanda, to Limulunga where scores of spectators welcomed him.

Key among those who awaited the Litunga were Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Lawrence Sichalwe, Southern Province PS Mwangala Liyomba, Western Province PS Sibanze Simuchoba, North Western Province Minister Richard Kapita and guest of honour, the Paramount Chief Gawa Undi of the Chewa people of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Lubosi Imwiko the second, and Undi then proceeded to their designated royal seats in the VVIP tents, in time for the second part of the ceremony’s celebrations

But just as the climax of the event was taking effect, some suspected PF cadres caused confusion when they started pushing peoole around the VIP area where HH was seated, almost causing a stampede.

The disgruntled youths started pouring water on some spactators while others were seen removing chairs from the area.

This forced HH and members of his entourage to stand for about 15 minutes before he was ushered into the VVIP area by some Indunas.

Calm was then retained, allowing the event to proceed peacefully, and after an hour of dances, the two chiefs left for the palace.

Meanwhile, as HH was leaving the main arena, scores of his supporters surrounded his motorcade causing traffic as they chanted UPND songs while flashing the change symbols.