Gary Nkombo | |
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![]() Gary Nkombo in 2023 | |
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development | |
In office 7 September 2021 –28 March 2025 | |
Preceded by | Vincent Mwale |
Succeeded by | Gift Sialubalo |
Member of the National Assembly for Mazabuka Central | |
Assumed office 2006 | |
Preceded by | Kabisa Nang'omba |
Personal details | |
Born | Gary Chilala Nkombo 1 March 1965 Mazabuka,Zambia |
Political party | United Party for National Development |
Children | 3 |
Gary Chilala Nkombo (born 1 March 1965) is a Zambian politician and businessman. He is Zambia's former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development from 2021 to 2025. [1]
Nkombo was first elected as an MP in the 2006 Zambian general election representing Mazabuka Central in the National Assembly as a member of the United Party for National Development (UPND). He was again elected MP in the 2011,2016 and 2021 Zambian general elections. [2]
In August 2016 he was appointed Party Whip for the UPND. [3]
In September 2021, [4] Nkombo was appointed Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. [5] [6] On Friday,28 March 2025,Gary Nkombo was terminated from his appointment as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development by president Hakainde Hichilema for unspecified reasons. [7] [8]
Members of the UPND close to the president suggested that he was removed for corruption. However,others in the party recognized his growing influence especially with those who disagree with the current administration’s direction,and suggest that his removal was more political –removal of a potential rival to Hakainde Hichilema,the president. [9]
Following his relief from the role of local government ministry,he explained that he had no hard feelings over the decision to drop him. [10]
Year (s) | Position | Area served | Political Party |
---|---|---|---|
2006 - 2011 | Member of Parliament | Mazabuka Central | United Party for National Development |
2011 - 2016 | |||
2016 - 2021 | |||
2021 - | |||
2021 - 2025 | Minister of Local Government and Rural Development | N/A |
In 2022,Nkombo forced a woman brewing kachasu to drink it with her children. After a video circulated on social media,many people expressed disappointment in the minister. A few days later,he apologised to the family and was forgiven. [11]
Nkombo was a teacher by profession,before becoming a politician and a businessman. He is married and has two sons and a daughter.[ citation needed ]