Some UTM founding members on Wednesday ignored calls by party president Dalitso Kabambe and attended the launch of the Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) Foundation in Lilongwe.
UTM Presidential Council for Founding Members committee chairperson Newton Kambala and members Chidanti Malunga, and Annie Makuta were spotted at the launch.
This council will play a critical role in providing strategic counsel to the President and the party on key political and campaign matters.
Late Chilima’s long time friend and UTM member Mathews Mtumbuka also attended the launch of the Foundation.
Addressing the media Wednesday morning, Kabambe said a decision not to attend the launch because of the attendance of President Lazarus Chakwera.
Chilima, former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri and seven others were on board an MDF plane Dornier 228 MAFT03 from Lilongwe to Mzuzu Airport when it crashed in Chikangawa on June 10 2024.
“As we reflect on the life and contributions of our late former president, we must also acknowledge the complex emotions that arise from recent events. It is with a sense of principle and respect for those we have lost that I announce our party’s decision not to attend the launch of the SKC Foundation.
“This decision was not made lightly. We carry with us the weight of grievances regarding how the legacy of our late founding president has been handled. And it is deeply troubling for us to share this with you. We share the same platform with the current leadership of this country at this significant moment. The freedom of our president should be an embodiment of unity and respect
“And at this juncture, unfortunately, we fail with his imperative. To uphold our principles. We are acutely aware of the circumstances surrounding the invitation of the president to this event. We will not say much, though we know exactly what happened. We refuse to pretend as if all is well. The grief of our party and the unanswered questions surrounding the tragic death of our founding president remain unresolved.
“The question is what do we ask of ourselves as UDM? How do we share a platform with those who hold Malawi as the truth? How do we sit side-by-side, wine, drink, dance with those who have yet to account for the scumstances of that day? These questions are weighing heavily in our hearts,” said Kabambe
Writing on his Facebook page, Mtumbuka said he was delighted to have witnessed the official launch of the Foundation, a celebration of a Life dedicated to service and leadership.
“The late Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima was a visionary whose inspiration and impact will be felt beyond this generation. I have every confidence that he was the most exceptional leader of our era.
“I thank Madam Mary Chilima and the organizing committee for the invitation to this ceremonious occasion that duly decorated a legacy that should neither fade nor die but rather blossom.
“In 2003, the friends of Cecil John Rhodes set up a Rhodes Trust Foundation which for 120 years has transformed lives of many young people in the commonwealth, Germany, USA and beyond and has recently been gifted with huge funding for its perpetuity. We applaud Madam Mary Chilima’s efforts to this initiative and wish her continued success as Chairperson. Together, we will strive to make the foundation’s vision a reality,” he said
