BREBNER CHANGALA’S PUSH FOR REGIME CHANGE RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT MOTIVES
By Chilufya Kasonde
Brebner Changala, the outspoken civil rights activist who once passionately campaigned for the United Party for National Development (UPND) during the 2021 elections, has now become one of the loudest voices calling for a change of government in 2026. His shift in tone has sparked debate over whether his criticism of the New Dawn administration is rooted in genuine patriotism or personal frustration
In recent months, Changala has openly aligned himself with opposition political parties such as the Patriotic Front (PF), the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), and various groupings under the Tonse Alliance. He has also worked closely with civil society organizations like OCiDA to push the narrative that Zambia requires a new political order.
According to Changala, the UPND has failed to deliver on the sweeping promises of reform and transformation made in 2021. He argues that the same issues that plagued the nation under the previous administration—ranging from governance gaps to socioeconomic challenges—remain unresolved. To him, the “New Dawn” has been nothing more than a continuation of the old system.
Yet, beneath his political activism lies a more controversial claim: that Changala personally expected to be appointed to a senior government position after the 2021 victory. He has reportedly admitted that part of his motivation for campaigning was the hope of serving at the top echelons of government. When that expectation did not materialize, his disillusionment deepened.
This revelation has led many Zambians to question his true agenda. Is Changala fighting for the nation’s collective progress, or is his activism merely a reflection of personal disappointment? Critics argue that his constant calls for regime change appear less about national development and inclusivity, and more about his own exclusion from the corridors of power.
Observers note that politics in Zambia has often been marred by personalities who champion reform not out of conviction but as a ticket to personal gain. If Changala’s push is indeed motivated by unmet personal ambitions, it undermines the credibility of his current campaign and risks portraying him as an opportunist rather than a patriot.
For now, what remains unclear is whether Brebner Changala’s voice will continue to resonate with ordinary citizens or whether his perceived self-interest will drown out the issues he seeks to highlight. What is certain, however, is that his political U-turn has reignited debate about the thin line between civic activism and self-serving politics in Zambia.
Can a country really develop with such empty characters like this? Is this what is called checks, balances and alternatives? Such adults must focus their energy on something else. What has this man have in common with the incumbent other having similar male anatomy which he has abused? People should learn to keep quite…shaaaa
Changala is not sincere nor objective in his basis to decampaign the UPND.
When playing 10 change goal as kids and the team was selected on the basis of “back bambe” we all learnt that if you are not good. The chances of being chosen was little to the last.
This is fact our outspoken so called leaders need to learn and know. What do they bring to the table. What of service do they have to offer?
Changala forgets that Operatives feed the state information about one’s character. One also needs to know their boss, prior to applying for a job. Will I be able to work with the said leader? This fact I find common among people like Sichinga and Changala. They want the status but have little to nothing to offer when it comes to leading.
Management is quoted to be a function and not a status. Let’s learn this fact. Its not means to enrich oneself. In Public service its what you can do for the people. Stewardship.
Mr. Changala would do well in being objective to take into account the enormous mess that PF left. And what it would take to clean up the mess. Just fact should make any right thinking person; to realise that the basis of Changala and many others is misconceived and misplaced.
However, I also agree that the issues and the increases in CDF has been sqandered by self serving UPND officials who seek to profit from public resources that serve Zambians and its sad that cases reported have not been prosecuted and its would set an example that some officials insteadof resigning after being realised have opted to mudsling to justify their theft. Changala when sought to get your child a job in the army with Kambwili; were you thinking about yourselves or the People of Zambia? I cite press reports which are a factual basis.