By Jane Chanda
Governance expert Brebner Changala says Vice-President Mutale Nalumango’s remarks that changing governments or political leaders will not end poverty in Zambia, reflects failure by the UPND administration to effectively govern.
Last week, during a conference on poverty reduction and climate resilience, Vice-President Nalumango said that changing governments or political leaders was not the solution to ending poverty in Zambia. She emphasised the need for a shift in national policies and mindsets.
And in an interview with Daily Revelation on Friday, Changala said the Vice-President’s remarks reflected a failure by the UPND government to effectively govern. He in Vice-President Nalumango’s remarks, the UPND was acknowledging growing public appetite for change ahead of the 2026 general elections.
He described the statement as unfortunate and disheartening saying it implied the decision to vote the UPND into office in 2021 was both unnecessary and a mistake.
“That kind of statement is meant to mislead citizens into thinking that a change of government would make no difference to the lives, even as poverty persists,” Changala said.
He said that rather than issuing discouraging statements, government should be outlining clear actions it was taking to tackle poverty because that is what the UPND was elected to do.
Changala said the UPND was avoiding accountability for its unfulfilled campaign promises, particularly those focused on improving the livelihoods of ordinary Zambians.
And Build Zambia 2064 executive Director, Joseph Mushalika said Nalumango’s remarks appeared to contradict President Hakainde Hichilema’s stance on eradicating poverty.
Dr. Mushalika observed that President Hichilema consistently outlined his administration’s commitment towards ending poverty through key initiatives such as the free education policy and the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF). He said President Hichilema also repeatedly expressed his desire to transform the lives of Zambians before leaving office.
Dr Mushalika said Build Zambia 2064 believed in the importance of government creating an enabling environment for citizens to generate wealth, while also fulfilling its responsibility to provide the structural foundation for national development.
