Nkombo praises HH for free education

By BARNABAS ZULU

FORMER Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo has hailed President Hakainde Hichilema for delivering free education, saying it is transforming lives and creating a generation of future leaders from humble beginnings.
Speaking during a campaign rally at Muwele Polling Station in Lukulu Ward of Mfuwe Constituency on Saturday, Mr. Nkombo, who is also United Party for National Development (UPND) Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament, urged voters to support the ruling party parliamentary candidate Mufunelo Malama in the upcoming by-election.
Mr. Nkombo said the introduction of free education by the UPND government had levelled the playing field for children from all backgrounds.
“This child from a poor background can become a President because we have enabled her to access education,” Mr. Nkombo said while pointing to a young girl in the crowd. “This is what free education means, it gives every child a shot at greatness.”
He praised President Hichilema as a living example of the power of education and resilience, noting that the President’s journey reflected the kind of opportunities that Government should make available to every Zambian.
“President Hakainde Hichilema himself is a product of education and determination. That’s why he believes every Zambian child deserves that same chance,” he said.
Mr. Nkombo reminded residents of Mfuwe that despite the province giving the UPND limited support in the 2021 general elections, the head of State had not abandoned them.
“Let us appreciate President Hakainde Hichilema for what he has done for you here in Mfuwe, because he has proved you wrong,” Mr. Nkombo told the gathering. “You didn’t vote for him in large numbers, but he still came through for you with free education, CDF and development.”
He said critics of the UPND had peddled lies that the government would fail to implement its key policies, but President Hichilema had delivered.
“I know most of you were misled by politicians who said the President would not provide free education or increase CDF, but today he has done wonders,” said Mr. Nkombo. “They said it was impossible, but here we are. Free education is a reality, and CDF is at a level we have never seen before.”
He urged the people of Lukulu Ward and the wider Mfuwe Constituency to support the UPND candidate as a way of sustaining the developmental agenda of the ruling party.
“Let us rally behind Mufunelo Malama. Voting for him is voting for continuity, it is voting for a better future for your children,” Mr. Nkombo said. “Stand with President Hakainde Hichilema, stand with progress.”
However, Mr. Nkombo expressed confidence that the people of Muchinga would see through the rhetoric and vote based on what the UPND has delivered.
“Vote for what you have seen, not what you are being told. The UPND has worked, and now we must protect and build on that foundation,” he said.