LONG serving Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo says he and his fellow long serving MPs will still contest the 2026 general election and only retire together with President Hakainde Hichilema in 2031.
Nkombo, who has been a lawmaker since 2006, told residents that it was unfair for citizens to suggest that UPND MPs who have been in parley for 20 years or more should not contest next year when they were the ones who suffered for the party.
He pleaded with the voters to allow him and others such as Home Affairs minister Jack Mwiimbu who has been an MP for 25 years in Monze Central to continue serving until President Hichilema’s tenure ends in 2031.
The former cabinet minister said old MPs had been there for the UPND party and the fresh minds that want to take over were only doing so for their own selfish reasons.
“Please don’t remove us, it’s not fair that somebody who was in an aircon can just come and want the seat after we worked so hard for it. Where were you when we were being beaten? Where were you when we were being arrested and struggling in the opposition,” he questioned.
“You used to stay in air conditioned offices while we were on the ground fighting. Today we now want to settle and you come saying ati you have over stayed as MP. Mwakali Kuli (where have you been)?”
He said the long serving MPs played a crucial role in the victory of the UPND during the 2021 general election and those who wanted to sideline them were not acting according to the principles of the party.
“You should all be patient with us and wait until 2031,” said Nkombo.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 29, 2025
