In what appears to be a direct response to Engineer Mathews Mtumbuka, UTM National Publicity Secretary Felix Njawala has cautioned individuals competing for different positions in the party’s upcoming elections against using promotional materials that violate brand guidelines.
The warning comes a day after Mtumbuka, who was accompanied by his supporters clad in T-shirts bearing his face and without the party’s logo, announced that he has joined active politics and will vie for the presidency at the UTM Convention on November 17, 2024.
Ironically, top party officials shunned the function unlike when Dalitso Kabambe, another presidential candidate, was joining UTM at Masambanjati in Thyolo South West Constituency, where he was accompanied by the secretary general, Patricia Kaliati, Njawala, and other party officials.
“As the UTM party prepares for the convention on November 17, 2024, we have observed with concern that several candidates are producing promotional materials that do not adhere to the UTM brand guidelines.
“To ensure consistency and uphold the integrity of our party’s image, we kindly request all candidates to consult the Publicity Directorate for guidance before publishing any campaign materials,” reads the statement dated September 11 2024.
Among others, Mtumbuka said if given a chance to lead the party, he will make sure that there are proper structures from the grassroots to the top level.
“As we look to the future, my vision for Malawi starts with the vision for building our beloved party—the UTM. We want to build a united block, a party that truly represents the spirit of unity and inclusiveness. A UTM that harnesses the physical strength and energy of our youth, while drawing
from the wisdom and experience of our fathers and mothers.
“This is a UTM that is not only present in the bustling cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba, and Mzuzu, but also vibrant and thriving in Chitipa, Mchinji, Dowa, Nsanje, and every corner of our nation.
“We want a UTM that is a national party, rooted in the grassroots, not just vocal on Facebook, Twitter and Instagrame but with a strong area committee in the remotest village we can think of.
“My goal for the UTM in 2025 is simple. We want a UTM that will have a strong, undeniable presence on the ballot paper in the 2025 elections. A UTM that will not just be another political player but a dominant voice that shapes the future of this country for years to come.
“A party that speaks for all Malawians, from the cities to the villages, and that leads with integrity, purpose, and strength. This is the UTM we are building, and with your support, we will achieve it,” he said
