GARRY NKOMBO OFFICIALLY QUITS UPND AHEAD OF 2026 BY-ELECTION
By KNOX ZAMBIA
In a major political development, former Mazabuka Member of Parliament and former Minister of Local Government, Garry Nkombo, has officially resigned from the United Party for National Development (UPND).
Nkombo, who is contesting as an independent candidate in the August 13, 2026 election, has reportedly submitted his resignation letter to the party’s Secretary General, bringing an end to his long association with the ruling party.
A key figure in the UPND for many years, Nkombo was widely regarded as one of the party’s strongest mobilizers and played a significant role in helping President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND secure victory in the 2021 General Elections.
His departure comes after a series of events that have fueled speculation about growing tensions between the veteran politician and the ruling party. Nkombo was previously relieved of his ministerial duties by President Hichilema, although the reasons behind his dismissal have never been publicly clarified.
Political drama surrounding the former minister intensified during the recent nomination process, where he was reportedly involved in confrontations at the nomination centre. The situation later escalated when Nkombo was arrested and charged with assault in connection with incidents linked to the nomination day events.
With his resignation now confirmed, Nkombo’s decision marks one of the most significant political exits from the UPND in recent years. Political observers will be closely watching how his independent candidature impacts the electoral landscape as the August 13 poll approaches.
The political battle lines are now drawn, and all eyes will be on Mazabuka as one of Zambia’s most experienced politicians embarks on a new chapter outside the party he helped build.
KUDOS GARRY. Congratulations sir. will makes sure to bring down UPND at all cost.
Congratulations Gary! Way to go; leave that fatherless Satanist with his worshipers who pray to the devil!
Gary, is your beef with the UPND or with the police?
Do you believe that the UPND commanded the police to arrest you? Are you telling the country that the party you served in government for nearly 5 years does not believe in the rule-of-law? Would you be happy to see this party lose power? If so, do you really believe that it would be for the benefit of the country? Set aside what you have gone through as an individual and ask yourself whether Zambia is better with PF-Tonse alliance or with UPND. Remember Simon Kapwepwe. Remember Daniel Munkombwe. Pick one to follow.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please?! This was the only legal route provided by law for an Independent Candidate. Gary loves UPND.
That’s the only option as an independent candidate.
This has hit me hard. I had hoped that there was still room for reconciliation. Garry put his best shot in the UPND victory like many of us though not in the limelight. However I respect his decision to resign. I hope he finds peace outside UPND. I wish him well as an independent MP candidate and hopefully as an MP for Mazabuka central.