Zambia’s tough anti-homosexuality laws date back to the British colonial era and public opinion remains strongly against gays and lesbians.
Mubiana and Mwape were arrested in 2013 after being reported to the police by one of Mubiana’s relatives.
As he left the court a free man, Mubiana said “I now want to go and study law.”
But his grandmother, who was in court, said she was disappointed with the verdict.
“How I am going to have great grandchildren to look after me? I am old and I need children to look after me. This is not right, the law should be followed,” she said.
Outside the court in Kapiri Mposhi, the small town 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of Lusaka where the trial took place, residents denounced Western governments for their support of the couple.
“Give us economic aid and not this rubbish. This is a Christian nation and we shall not allow same sex marriages. If you don’t want to help us go back” local politician Kelvin Mukuka shouted at a European diplomat.
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