UTM top officials were missing at a press briefing organized by Eng. Mathews Mtumbuka in Lilongwe of Tuesday, fueling reports that there are divisions amongst the party’s top officials.
During the press briefing held Tuesday in Lilongwe, Mtumbuka announced that he has joined active politics and will vie for the presidency position at the UTM Convention on November 17,2024 to replace late Dr Saulos Chilima.
When Dalitso Kabambe was was announcing his joining of UTM on July 23, 2024, at Masambanjati in Thyolo South West Constituency, he was accompanied by the secretary general, Patricia Kaliati, spokesperson Felix Njawala, and other party officials.
Our sources within the executive committee have indicated that the divisions are between those who brought 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, 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.
““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,” said an anonymous source. This account has been supported by a few other UTM officials.
Mtumbuka, a well-known professional who has worked for the corporate sector in Malawi and other countries said the decision to join politics has been inspired by the late Saulos Chilima’s political dream.
“I stand before you today, humbled and honoured to announce my decision to enter the world of politics. This was not an easy choice, but one that I feel compelled to make, driven by a sense of duty, loyalty, and purpose. Therefore, today I, Matthews Chinombo Mtumbuka, stand before you, deeply honored and humbled, to announce my candidacy for the presidency of our great party, UTM,” he said.
He said through his experience in the corporate sector where he delivered positive results, he will ensure that the citizens collectively build a nation that works for all citizens.
“We have drawn up brilliant plans—plans that could have transformed our nation if they had been executed. Yet, for too long, Malawi has been a nation of ideas but not of action. This ends now. My philosophy, and the cornerstone of my leadership, is simple: plan, execute, deliver results. I do not compromise on this, and those who have worked with me will attest to my commitment to seeing things through,” said Mtumbuka.
