Bishop Edwin Mwansa Mulandu was born and raised in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, a region known for its urban landscape and industrial significance in minerals. Bishop Mulandu cites his main inspiration for this being his grandfather, as he was a catechist and had always wanted a grandchild to become a priest. By the 10th grade, he had already decided to dedicate his life to God.
Bishop Mulandu was officially ordained in 2001. He has now served as a priest, lecturer, and the National Director of the Pontifical Societies in Zambia, and in 2021 he was appointed Bishop of Mpika by Pope Francis, a largely rural diocese plagued by deep socioeconomic challenges.
When Bishop Mulandu arrived in Mpika, he was confronted by the challenges of rural life: poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, food insecurity, insufficient transportation, lack of proper medicine and medical equipment, all worsened by drought and over population.
He quickly learned to adapt to Mpika’s current situation and realised he need to help his people not only spiritually but also to embolden them to uplift their dignity and quality of life. Bishop Mulandu has done this through his countless initiatives which aim to enable families to: provide food and additional income to their families (Maize Mill Project), invest in proper medical equipment (Hospitals Projects) and educate the youth (Boarding School Project).
Despite their hardships, the Zambian people are resilient and warm. Bishop Mulandu shares how “Wherever you go—whether in the marketplaces, workplaces, and so on—you find them smiling,” he says. “They’re very, very peaceful. I would say they’re very hospitable to visitors; I feel it in the way they welcome me.”
Guided by humility, service and unwavering faith, Bishop Edwin Mwansa Mulandu acts as a humble servant to spread the word and love of God, inspiring those around him. He is committed to fostering a community of peace, love, unity and faith even when faced with adversity.
