Defend your democracy, Nkombo rallies Zambians

MAZABUKA Central independent parliamentary candidate Gary Nkombo has urged Zambians to celebrate this year’s Africa Freedom Day by defending their freedom from the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Nkombo said the attack and humiliation he and his wife suffered last week in Mazabuka District in Southern Province at the hands of violent UPND cadres was just one sign of the bigger threat the UPND was posing to Zambia’s democracy.

“What happened to me – and what continues to happen to others – are not isolated attacks. They are systematically planned attacks on every Zambian’s right to exist without fear, to participate without intimidation,” he said.

This is contained in his message marking this year’s Africa Freedom Day posted on his official Facebook page.

“Zambia’s democracy was not given on a silver plate. Africa Freedom Day is not a passive celebration for the powerful only. It is a warning to the complacent – as freedom is never just won. It is protected daily, by ordinary citizens who refuse to look away from injustice in any form, anywhere,” Nkombo said.

“Friends, the unfortunate attack on me and my wife last Wednesday, 21st May 2026 at the hands of Bilden Halooba in full view of the Zambia Police Service was never just about stopping Gary Nkombo’s nomination as Mazabuka Central MP. It’s bigger!”

Nkombo said it was an attack on Zambia’s cherished democratic soul and “a direct assault on the rights and freedoms our mothers and fathers bled and died to secure”.

He reminded citizens that the founders of the republic did not die for them (citizens) to rebuild the same chains with different hands in 2026.

“They did not march so that citizens could be harmed for simply wanting to participate. It was won,” Nkombo said.

He said Zambians fought for and won their freedom in 1964, 1991, 2011 and 2021, and should do the same this year without fear.

“Each generation before us faced a moment where they had to choose between true freedom or deception. In 2026, the moment is here and is ours! I am still standing. Zambia must keep standing, too. Happy Africa Freedom Day!” Nkombo said.

The seasoned politician was attacked by violent UPND cadres led by a known individual with strong links with State House in an attempt to stop him from filing his nomination papers to re-contest the Mazabuka Central seat as an independent candidate in the August 13 general elections.

However, he defied the intimidation and managed to file.

Until last year, Nkombo was a very senior leader and one of the pillars of the UPND.

He headed the elections committee and served as minister of local government before he fell out of favour with President Hakainde Hichilema, who fired him from both positions without giving reasons.

Nkombo enjoys solid support in the constituency.