Popular comedian and outspoken social commentator Mark Ziligone, widely known as Bishop Nkongolo, has finally broken his silence on why he disappeared from social media between February and March, revealing that he was battling a serious illness.
Bishop Nkongolo, who is known for using humour to expose hypocrisy among some self-proclaimed “men of God,” has recently returned to creating online content, leaving many fans relieved after weeks of speculation.
His disappearance raised concern among followers until March 19, when he posted an emotional message on Facebook suggesting he had been going through a difficult time.
“When an entertainer like me goes quiet, just know something isn’t right. We are used to showing up, giving energy, creating moments, and keeping people smiling,” he wrote.
“So, when the noise fades, it’s not by choice, it’s because life is happening behind the scenes. It’s been painful and rough lately, but some battles are better left in the hands of the Lord. I’m holding on, healing, and trusting the process.”
In an exclusive interview, Ziligone disclosed that he was diagnosed with an Autoimmune Disease, a medical condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation and damage.
He explained that his condition became so severe in February that he could not walk for the entire month and was confined to a wheelchair.
“I was not active the entire month of February because I was very ill, to an extent where I could not walk the entire month of February. I didn’t know what the problem was, I was on a wheelchair,” he said.
“I was told to carry out a number of tests.”
Ziligone admitted that at first he believed he was suffering from gout, a painful type of arthritis commonly affecting joints such as the toes, ankles and knees.
“At first I thought I had gout… this issue of self-diagnosis, which is very dangerous,” he said.
He explained that he began taking painkillers on his own, but the pain continued to return, sometimes even resisting medication.
“I was taking some pain killers. Pain would go and come back, but sometimes pain killers wouldn’t work. I later found out that I didn’t even have gout,” he disclosed.
Ziligone said doctors at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) later requested further tests, which eventually confirmed the autoimmune condition.
“I found that everything was just okay, not until doctors had to sit at UTH and made a plan for me. They told me to do some more tests, they then diagnosed me with Autoimmune Disease,” he said.
Following his recovery journey, Bishop Nkongolo has urged members of the public, especially those in the entertainment industry, to avoid self-diagnosis and always seek proper medical attention.
His story has since attracted sympathy and encouragement online, with many fans praising him for his honesty and wishing him a full recovery.
Credit: Zambia Daily Mail
