There are divisions within UTM ahead of the national elective convention scheduled for November to replace the late party president, Dr. Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash in June this year.
Currently, the acting leader, as per UTM’s constitution, is the then vice president, Micheal Usi.
Our sources within the executive committee have indicated that the divisions are between those who brought Dr. Dalitso Kabambe from the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), those who were against the idea and convinced Newton Kambala (deemed financier and founder of the party), and another group which has convinced personal friend and confidant to Chilima, Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka to stand as well.
“It all began shortly after the official mourning period when some party officials decided to bring in Kabambe as a replacement for Chilima. Some party members perceived this as forming an alliance with DPP. It seemed like some people were working behind the scenes, and the deal was struck during the mourning period of our beloved president,” said an anonymous source. This account has been supported by a few other UTM officials.
Kabambe was welcomed into UTM on July 23, 2024, at Masambanjati in Thyolo South West Constituency by the secretary general, Patricia Kaliati, spokesperson Felix Njawala, and other party officials.
He joined with a message of comfort and hope, expressing his belief that Malawians will give UTM Party a chance to form the government in the General Elections on September 16, 2025.
Kabambe stated that UTM aims to lead the country from poverty to prosperity, and he declared his readiness to assist the party in achieving that goal.
“We will achieve this through the establishment of factories, improving agriculture, mining, tourism, and other areas that will create more and higher-paying jobs,” said Kabambe, an economist.
Party members in the country celebrated his arrival, believing they have found someone ready to fill Chilima’s shoes.
“However, some party officials felt betrayed by the move. It seemed like an acceptance of defeat, that the party cannot stand on its own without a partnership. This came shortly after leaving the Tonse Alliance. Instead of discussing the way forward among ourselves, they started considering people for possible leadership positions,” he said
According to the source, this is when other officials approached potential candidates like Kambara, Mtumbuka, and Usi.
Mtumbuka and Usi have not yet confirmed their candidacy. However, Kaliati has also joined the race.
“When I was in university, I held a leadership position which enabled me to interact with politicians. I championed the fees reduction which we won. So a lot of people have been calling me to go into full-time politics.
“The voice thought I can contribute to he politics of Malawi, so there has been a political side in me. I will make a decision by Tuesday, and I will announce whether I am joining full time politics or not.
“I believe politics should be a calling, that’s why I have taken time to ask myself if God is calling me to join politics. Yiu must be called and answer the call. I believe I have reached the point where I have been called. I am considering if I should answer yes or no,” said Mtumbuka who said there is a leader in him since he was young.
Reacting to the news, political commentator Wonderful Mkhutche said though this is normal when the party is going towards elective convention, a lot is at stake.
“This is normal when a party is heading towards an elective convention. The delegates will have the final say. But UTM should prudently elect the next leader as the party desperately needs to gather itself.
“This convention is a do or die for the party and the delegates should not be overtaken by the events. A lot is at stake as far as the next leader is concerned,” he said
