We’re in hell …HH, UPND have messed up the country – Changala

Political activist Brebner Changala has launched a stinging attack on the United Party for National Development (UPND) government, declaring that Zambians are “in hell” under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership. Speaking in Lusaka, Changala accused the administration of gross mismanagement of the economy, betrayal of campaign promises, and creating hardships that have left citizens struggling to survive.

Changala said that when the UPND came to power in 2021, many Zambians believed that a new era of prosperity and good governance had dawned. However, he argued that four years later, the reality has been one of rising prices, inadequate service delivery, and what he termed “an arrogant government detached from the suffering of ordinary people.”

“The UPND promised heaven on earth, but what we have received is the complete opposite,” he charged. “The people are being suffocated by a government that seems to care more about its international image than the plight of citizens at home. The economy is collapsing, jobs are scarce, and poverty levels are rising. We are in hell.”

Changala’s remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing debates about Zambia’s economic trajectory. While government officials point to billions of dollars in foreign investment commitments, inflation has continued to weigh heavily on household incomes. Basic commodities such as mealie meal, fuel, and cooking oil remain beyond the reach of many families.

He accused the administration of failing to cushion citizens from the effects of international shocks, such as fuel price fluctuations and currency depreciation. Instead, Changala argued, the government has hidden behind external factors to excuse its domestic policy shortcomings.

“Leadership is about protecting your people from global turbulence, not about giving excuses,” he said. “We cannot continue to blame everything on the international market when people cannot afford three meals a day.”

The activist further alleged that the UPND has failed on key governance promises, particularly around fighting corruption and strengthening institutions. He said cases involving high-profile individuals have either been delayed or abandoned, undermining confidence in the government’s commitment to the rule of law.

“In opposition, they spoke with passion about ending corruption. Today, they defend their own with the same arrogance they condemned in the previous regime,” he stated.

Changala also criticised the government’s relationship with the media, claiming that critical voices have been subjected to harassment and that public debate is increasingly shrinking.

He urged Zambians not to remain silent in the face of hardship, calling on civil society, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens to hold the government accountable.

“Silence in times of suffering is complicity,” he said. “We must rise and remind this government that they were elected to serve the people, not themselves. If they continue on this path, the UPND risks being remembered as the most disastrous government in our history.”

Changala’s remarks are likely to ignite further debate in the political arena, where opposition parties have stepped up criticism of the government ahead of the next election cycle. His words also add to a growing chorus of voices highlighting frustrations among citizens struggling with the cost of living.

The government has consistently defended its performance, pointing to increased foreign direct investment, infrastructure projects, and improved relations with international partners such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Officials argue that reforms will take time to yield visible results, and that citizens must remain patient as the economy stabilises.

However, Changala dismissed these arguments as inadequate, saying people cannot eat promises.

“Four years is enough time to see change. What we are seeing is deterioration, not progress. The government must wake up before it is too late,” he warned.

The dispute over the burial of Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu has now acquired an uncomfortable urgency, with biology threatening to overtake legal argument. Two Mountains Burial Services, in a formal letter dated 11 August and released through KBN TV, has placed both the Lungu family and the Zambian state on notice: while the remains are embalmed and stable, time is a material factor that can no longer be ignored.

The company’s representative, Johan Furstenberg, confirmed that embalming had provided temporary preservation but cautioned that no such measure is indefinite. Prolonged storage, he warned, inevitably increases the risk of visible deterioration. His firm has mooted the engagement of a pathologist and embalmer for an expert prognosis, yet pointedly asked who would bear the costs. That appeal was not theatrics. It was a reminder that in the science of preservation, delay is not neutral.

From the outset, the family has insisted on privacy, even attempting a tightly controlled burial in Johannesburg earlier this month. Cameras were barred, entry was restricted, and the ceremony was to proceed away from public scrutiny until the South African courts halted the process. That secrecy has collided with the state’s statutory duty to inter a former head of state at Embassy Park, a duty affirmed by the Pretoria High Court on 8 August. When the family escalated the case to the Constitutional Court, the High Court adjourned the matter sine die. The law has paused, but the passage of time has not.

The result has been fertile ground for speculation. Since 5 June, Zambian public discourse has been awash with conjecture about the circumstances of Lungu’s death, ranging from alleged gunfire to baseless claims of a faked demise. None has been supported by admissible evidence. Yet secrecy has created a vacuum into which rumour has effortlessly poured. Two Mountains’ intervention is a sober reminder: silence is rarely neutral in politics, and in death, as in life, perception can calcify into narrative if facts are withheld.

There remains a narrow, rational path forward. Both family and state could agree to a regime of limited disclosure, one that protects dignity while satisfying the public’s right to clarity. A joint medical note prepared by an independent pathologist, endorsed by both parties, could state the current condition of the remains, affirm the chain of custody, and specify preservation measures in place. Such a document would involve no photographs, no spectacle, but would place verifiable fact against rumour.

Chain-of-custody discipline is equally crucial. A contemporaneous log recording every transfer, temperature reading, and intervention would be invaluable. It would protect the family against allegations of mishandling, and the state against accusations of overreach. More importantly, it would ensure that if the Constitutional Court orders execution of the High Court’s judgment, repatriation can proceed without avoidable dispute over the body’s integrity.

Diplomatic space also exists. The government can reassure the family that before any formal state-led funeral, a family-led vigil will be allowed, respecting personal and religious rites. The family, in turn, can acknowledge that a president’s burial is inherently a matter of public interest, not partisan manoeuvring. Transparency on essentials is not political entrapment. It is a recognition that private grief and public duty are not mutually exclusive. Each side’s willingness to compromise would shorten the timeline and ease the national mood.

Two Mountains’ request for expert consultation should, therefore, be treated with urgency and routine pragmatism. If additional embalming, restorative care, or casket sealing is required, it ought to be done without delay. The financial implications are minor compared to the reputational damage of preventable deterioration. A nation’s dignity is ultimately reflected in how it says farewell to its leaders.

The court’s adjournment has created a procedural pause, not a pause in consequences. Biology advances regardless of legal briefs. Each day of impasse increases the risk that conversation drifts from protocol and law to speculation and grievance. What is needed now is a factual joint update, a clear logistical plan, and a narrowing of space for rumour. In this matter, time is not an ally.

President Hakainde Hichilema congratulated First Quantum Minerals (FQM), the Kansanshi Team, and the people of Zambia on the remarkable launch of the S3 Expansion Project.

The President said First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Kansanshi Mine Plc Sulphide (S3) Expansion Project, is a reflection of the private sector’s confidence in government. He further noted that the establishment of such a huge US$ 1.25 Billion investment in Zambia, shows that the country is open for business.

Valued at over USD 1.25 billion, the S3 Expansion is one of the largest private investments in Zambia’s history. It will extend the mine’s life by more than 20 years and increase copper output to nearly 300,000 tonnes annually.

“This transformative project will generate significant benefits for our nation. It will boost export earnings, strengthen our balance of payments, create quality jobs, support local businesses, and enhance corporate social responsibility initiatives,” the president said.

President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized that while Zambia celebrates major investments in large-scale projects such as the S3 mine, equal attention must be given to securing the future of artisanal and small-scale miners.

“As we celebrate this major investment, we must also secure the future of our artisanal and small-scale miners. That is why we have directed the Ministry of Mines to convene an Artisanal Mining Conference to develop policies that promote legal, safe, and formalized mining practices. By doing so, we will protect lives, unlock opportunities for our citizens, and ensure Zambia’s mineral wealth benefits all,” he said, stressing that illegal mining will not be tolerated.

The initiative is expected to complement large-scale ventures while fostering a more inclusive and sustainable mining sector for generations to come.

President Hichilema extended gratitude to Traditional Leaders for their guidance, support, and leadership throughout the whole process.

Minister of Mines, Paul Kabuswe, noted that FQM is one of the highest single taxpayers in the country, attributing this success to the President’s vision and good leadership that activated the favourable investment environment in the country.

He explained that the project is one way of promoting the country’s economic growth through direct and indirect jobs.

Mr Kabuswe praised the government’s good policies that are in line with ensuring economic growth in the country.

And, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Chief Executive Officer, Tristan Pascall, explained that the US$1.25 Billion investment is more than investment, stating that it’s a shared vision of prosperity for the country and beyond.

Mr Pascall said FQM remains firmly committed to community stewardship through technology that reduces emissions not just for the mine but also for the safety of communities.He further emphasised the need for mines to improve lives within communities, citing the company’s corporate social responsibility through education, among others.

In her remarks earlier, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon, explained that the S3 Project, will contribute to the increased copper cathode produced in Zambia.Ms Terzeon stated that the expansion of the project is testament to FQM’s commitment to the Zambian people through long term economic growth. She recounted President Hichilema’s vision for the Zambian government’s ambition to achieve the production of three million tonnes of copper.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that our investments contribute positively to Zambia’s development,” she stated.And ZCCM-IH Board Chairman, Phesto Musonda, underpinned the government’s investment vision for the country. He said ZCCM-IH which holds 20 percent stake in Kansanshi Mine, has through the mine royalty, received K1.4 Billion.Mr Musonda said the company’s revenues that are actualised are meant to help the national goal such as the energy sector.

Meanwhile, in his welcoming remarks, North-western Province Minister, Robert Lihefu, highlighted that the province has become a beacon of economic growth.He stated that the project has enhanced employment opportunities in the province, a milestone that he said must be commended.

“Not Guilty!” declared media entrepreneur Oscar Chavula, as he stood in the dock facing what he calls a politically engineered case meant to silence him. In a powerful reflection, Chavula narrates how successive governments have targeted him and Hot FM, confusing his business with politics and mistaking accountability for opposition. He describes his plea as more than a courtroom defence,it is a stand against “shadow prosecutions” designed to intimidate independent voices. His message is defiant: he has never been a poodle for politicians, and no threats, legal or political, will shake his commitment to Zambia’s truth.

In His Words
A few weeks ago I stood in the Dock of a court in this land of work and joy for purely being Oscar Chavula, the instruction are “find something on him and take him to court.” Initially, I thought it was just mere over reach by the system until I had to plead not Guilty, for a crime I was nowhere near nor present. They elected to create a crime scene for me in the hope that I will oblige to their whims.

I am a firm believer in equal justice and no one should be above the law, I however, feel to persecute people through shadow prosecutions is not only unsustainable but a grave injustice.

I have lived through five regimes largely. The confusion between me and the businesses I run is always perplexing. Operatives of subsequent governments never seem to see the distinction between the two. Whoever is in power always takes the position that we are against them just by merely holding them accountable or asking them to keep the promises they made or letting Zambians ask them the questions directly through Hot FM. Yes Hot FM is my baby and it speaks largely to our promise and values. It’s Zambia above all else, from day one we espoused this value, it is the reason even those in power felt they had a voice before they had power.

The MMD continually with consistency wanted us to fire the Presenters of the Kawala party (a fictional party) or we will be closed down. On one occasion the then SG Mr Kachingwe called me to his office had a major “go” at me and insisted I fire China Zaza because he didn’t like our editorial direction, I called his bluff, by not doing his bidding after his 24 hours ultimatum elapsed. He didn’t like it but I couldn’t care less. Where are we today?

After His appointment as PS, Emmanuel Mwamba called me the same afternoon to find out why his first instruction from George Chellah was close Hot FM down? I was in shock but not moved, I sought an audience with the President a (MCS) and few days later and he quashed that abhorrent “disrespectful order” from his rogue handler.

Mutale Mwanza, while on RHB (Red Hot Breakfast) called on people to stop blaming ECLs handlers for his inept handling of the National Affairs on Live Radio. The President was voot, He instructed the Minister to deal with us firmly, Dora ( a good friend of mine) called me and Costa to government complex to let us know of the president’s displeasure of our newsrooms and shows and requested subliminally that we do something about it. I was clear even then, I do not fire people at the behest of politicians or government, and I would not oblige, I didnt!

Examples are endless.
Here is my truth, I live in a world of perception and counter perception, when it suits them I am the best thing after toast but when it doesn’t, I am a sponsored charlatan or a hired gun. I am not a creature of convenience and I do not intend to start now. I have never been paid to do harm or good by anyone, I do not do narrative control for anyone and I am never against the ordinary Zambian for my comfort.

By nature I am not a coward and I care less for political antics, either dressed in threats of closure or pimped in legal attacks or threats of imprisonment, am simply not a poodle of Mr. Anybody. Instinct tells me not to let bullies get away with murder at my expense.

I will go through the court process just like anyone would do but today’s politicians more specifically the UPND should remember that the PF illtreated us and felt invincible but where we now? Disoriented and apologetic… Mokili tour-a-tour!

If you can’t close them down, at least lock the owners down. In short lock the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. Our businesses are built on systems and values not individuals, my absence will change nothing… totally! Our call is to the nation nothing more nothing less. He concludes with the below Bible Quote

Pro 1:18
But [when these men set a trap for others] they are lying in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.

His declaration of “Not Guilty” is more than a legal plea; it is a broader challenge to what he calls shadow prosecutions and political bullying. For Chavula, the battle ahead is not just about his name but about the principle of independent voices surviving in Zambia’s democracy.

As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the indispensable role the media plays in holding power to account. At its best, journalism is fearless, uncompromising, and non-partisan, committed to truth above all else. Chavula’s stand is therefore not only personal but symbolic, urging all media practitioners to remain firm, factual, and unbowed in the face of intimidation. The future of a just society, he argues, depends on truth-tellers refusing to bend.