Mulenga suffered a fractured right leg and several lacerations in a car accident that claimed four lives en route to a pre-tournament training earlier this month.
His place in the squad has been taken by defender Katebe, who plays for Zimbabwean outfit FC Platinum.
Coach Honor Janza has named 12 players from the 2013 AFCON tournament, in which Zambia were eliminated in the group stages after three consecutive draws.
Zambia will attempt to replicate that success at this year's event in Equatorial Guinea, which starts on January 17.
Janza's men have been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who they will face in Ebebiyin on January 18.
Defenders: Stoppila Sunzu (Sochaux), Bronson Chama (Red Arrows), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Aaron Katebe (FC Platinum), Christopher Munthali (Nkana), Emmanuel Mbola (Hapoel Ra'anana), Davies Nkausu (Bloemfontein Celtic), Rodrick Kabwe (Zanaco)
Forwards: Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton), Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe), Ronald 'Sate Sate' Kampamba (Nkana), Evans Kangwa (Hapoel Ra'anana), Patrick Ngoma (Red Arrows), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), James Chamanga (Liaoning Whowin).
