The battle for the soul of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) is intensifying as the party prepares for its upcoming elective conference. In the 2019 polls, UTM performed poorly, securing fewer than five parliamentary seats.
However, the late party leader, Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC), managed to garner a significant number of votes, which indicates that Chilima was more popular and likable than the UTM itself.
This popularity is one reason many believe the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which benefited from the Tonse Alliance, owes UTM a debt of gratitude.
The alliance’s success was significantly attributed to Chilima’s charisma and appeal. Replacing him as a leader will require an extraordinary individual to match or surpass his influence within the party.
Several contenders have emerged as potential candidates for the UTM presidency, including Engineer Mathews Mtumbuka, Engineer Newton Kambala, MacBride Nkhalamba, Dalitso Kabambe, and the acting president, Michael Usi. Each brings different strengths and challenges to the table.
Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, an accomplished academic, earned his DPhil in Communications Engineering from the University of Oxford in 2005. Despite his academic achievements, his political accomplishments will be under scrutiny when UTM members decide who should lead them into the 2025 tripartite elections.
UTM’s failure to solidify its grassroots base could be a significant hurdle for Mtumbuka, who lacks traditional political experience and grassroots appeal. His more technical and academic background might not resonate well with the party’s need for a strong, hands-on political leader who can engage directly with the community.
Engineer Newton Kambala, as a founder of the United Transformation Movement, sold his United Transformation Party (UTP) to join forces with Chilima, helping to form what is now UTM.
Despite his initial enthusiasm and institutional knowledge, Kambala’s political career has been overshadowed by corruption charges, which could be a significant disadvantage in his bid for leadership.
While he has experience organizing and creating political entities, his ability to lead UTM in a direction that would galvanize supporters is questionable, especially considering his inability to propel his former UTP beyond its initial stages.
MacBride Nkhalamba, a veteran of the civil society sector, has a long history of advocating for the vulnerable, most notably during his time with ActionAid. Currently, he serves as the Director of Governance and Specialized Reporting at the African Union’s APRM Continental Secretariat.
While his experience in governance and advocacy is extensive, it remains unclear how his background would translate into effective political leadership for UTM.
The party is on a metaphorical sickbed and requires a dynamic leader to revive it. Nkhalamba’s credentials may not inspire confidence among the rank and file of UTM supporters who are looking for a charismatic leader akin to the late Chilima.
Dalitso Kabambe, the former Reserve Bank Governor of Malawi, has recently entered UTM, sparking much debate. Some speculate he might be a “plant” from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), his former political home, aiming to divide opposition votes or form strategic alliances.
His involvement in UTM could be a calculated move by the DPP to establish a third front in the political landscape. With the requirement for a presidential candidate to secure 50% plus one of the votes to win, Kabambe’s influence could be pivotal in future elections.
However, his ability to appeal to UTM’s grassroots supporters and his motivations for joining the party will be closely scrutinized. If he can leverage his expertise and position himself as a unifying figure, Kabambe could play a significant role in shaping UTM’s future. However, his presence could also further complicate the leadership race, potentially leading to a factional split within the party.
Michael Usi, the acting president and Vice President of Malawi, was handpicked by the late Chilima, suggesting that the founding leader saw potential in him.
With a background in civil society and the creative sector, Usi brings a unique blend of experience to the table. He has been seen connecting with ordinary citizens, dining at local eateries, and maintaining a frugal image, which could resonate well with the public.
However, Usi’s ability to unify a party still mourning its charismatic leader will be tested in the upcoming conference. His leadership will determine whether he can steer the party away from its current turbulent state and toward a more stable future.
As UTM navigates its leadership transition, the elective conference will be a decisive moment for the party. The outcome will determine whether UTM can regain its footing and present a formidable challenge in the 2025 elections or if internal divisions will weaken it further.
The party’s future hinges on selecting a leader capable of energizing its base, expanding its grassroots support, and maintaining the legacy of its charismatic founder, Saulos Klaus Chilima.
The battle for the soul of UTM is long and rugged.
