I’M READY TO GO INDEPENDENT IF YOU SUPPORT ME – GARY NKOMBO
By Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya
Former Local Government Minister and Mazabuka lawmaker Gary Nkombo has hinted at contesting future elections as an independent candidate, telling supporters he feels abandoned by colleagues and “thrown to the dumpsite.”
This comes after the ruling United Party For National Development (UPND), to which he belongs, adopted a different candidate to replace him in the constituency.
Nkombo had sat out the adoption process, following what is now and evident fall out with his party leadership.
Speaking at a public gathering in Mazabuka Tuesday evening, Nkombo said he had been sidelined within his party and accused of wrongdoings he denies.
“I never thought a day like this would ever come… my colleagues put me aside a long time ago. I am ready to work for you [as independent], but will you vote for me? I have been accused of many things, including the ones I know nothing about. You, the people, can defend me!” he told the crowd.
Nkombo’s remarks mark a dramatic turn for the veteran politician, who has held senior government positions and played a visible role in national politics. His suggestion of running independently could reshape the political dynamics in Mazabuka, a constituency where he has long enjoyed grassroots support and served for two decades.
In May 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema dismissed Nkombo from his role as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. The official announcement did not provide detailed reasons, but the move was widely covered as part of a cabinet reshuffle.
By March 2026, the UPND formally removed him from its National Management Committee (NMC) and stripped him of his role as head of elections. Reports linked this to internal disagreements, including his stance during debates on constitutional amendments, though Nkombo himself has publicly denied wrongdoing.
This is the first public show of his fall out with the ruling party, which he says he is still a part of.
It is yet to be seen whether he will proceed with contesting the seat as an independent candidate.
One thing which seems not to have registered in the minds of political parties is that the dynamics on the ground have drastically changed.
The people / voters are no longer passive and guilable as in the past few years. The citizens have developed keen interest in the discourse of politics and want to side with people they feel can represent them.
There is need for each political party to structure processes of identifying the best candidates by evaluating real performance on the ground. Finding out what real impact those wanting to be voted into positions of power are having within the communities.
There should be an evaluation systems that monitors this instead of depending on spot votes or noise from selected supporters.
There real work need to make these candidates compete on ideas and actualization of measurable developmental social projects. The confusion that is now being experienced should not arise on who should be the best candidate. A five year period should be enough time to make the right choice based on tangible and proven practical works on the ground. The nominations should be an academic exercise without Drama.
If I may ask. What perimeters now can be reliably followed to point to the right person. Remember you only hit a target you have deliberately demand as a standard.
These are hard sayings but very necessary if we are to raise the caliber of our political leaders who end up being members pf parliament. An educated community is key to a healthy political environment.
Gary Nkombo, good leadership and loyalty demand humility, patience, and the wisdom to remain calm and allow situations to unfold naturally. The few individuals encouraging you to contest the Mazabuka Central seat as an independent Member of Parliament are being selfish and misleading you. Their actions risk damaging your political career rather than helping it.
True loyalty and genuine leadership are tested during difficult and challenging moments. It is easy to remain loyal when relationships are smooth and trust is strong. However, when disappointment and misunderstandings arise, that is when a person’s true character and intentions are revealed. Unfortunately, this is where Garry Nkombo may have missed an important opportunity that could have benefited him in the future.
Gary Nkombo’s actions of announcing that he would contest as an Independent Member of Parliament has weakened the confidence and trust that the United Party for National Development leadership and the President once had in him. Ambition to lead and serve people is important, but it must be guided by patience, loyalty, humility, and wisdom.
“Mate” & “knowledge”, your words above are full of wisdom. I couldn’t have said it any better. I can only hope that this news about Garry Nkombo is not true.
much appreciated Sir.
This is rather surprising. Garry Nkombo was among the first former UPND ministers including Elijah Muchima, Elias Mubanga, Rodney Sikumba, Douglas Siakalima, who had said they were not going to stand but support campaign for the President. Now, reading this and listening to the video paints a whole new picture. Anyway, sometimes when addressing people who have come to see you, one can say all sorts of things but calm down after these people leave or depart. Standing as an independent contradicts the purported love for the party. It is individual wish maybe to serve the people.