UPND Leader Hichilema Faces Backlash Over Remarks Directed at Gary Nkombo
President Hakainde Hichilema is facing mounting criticism from women’s organisations, church bodies and civil society groups following remarks he made about former Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo during a political rally in Southern Province over the weekend.
During the event, Hichilema — speaking in Tonga — issued comments interpreted as deeply disrespectful toward Nkombo, alleging that the former UPND elections chairman “slept with his biological mother.” The statement was made in reference to Nkombo’s decision to contest the Mazabuka parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.
The remarks have sparked widespread condemnation, with women’s lobby groups describing the language as misogynistic, culturally taboo and unacceptable in any public setting. Organisers say tens of thousands of women have expressed outrage over what they view as a vile attack on womanhood and an affront to cultural norms.
Church mother bodies and women’s organisations have also demanded an immediate apology from the Head of State, arguing that such statements undermine respect for women and set a harmful precedent in national political discourse.
Although Hichilema has not yet faced broad public censure from political leaders, critics say the comments represent a dramatic escalation in tensions between him and his former minister, who is now challenging the ruling party in Mazabuka. Observers note that the President is concerned about losing the constituency, a traditional UPND stronghold.
The controversy continues to generate nationwide debate as stakeholders call for accountability and a restoration of civility in political engagements.
Meanwhile, women from various backgrounds have issued a passionate appeal to mothers across the country, urging them to protest Hichilema’s remarks by withholding their vote in the upcoming election. They argue that the comments were not only offensive to Nkombo’s family but also demeaning to women broadly, and should not go unanswered at the ballot box.
UPND Leader Hichilema Faces Backlash Over Remarks Directed at Gary Nkombo
