Mtumbuka declares UTM presidential interest
Engineer-cum-motivational speaker Matthews Mtumbuka has formally declared his interest to vie for the UTM Party presidency with a promise to establish a new foundation for the country’s future generations.
Addressing the media at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe yesterday, he said he is geared to succeed the country’s Vice-President Michael Usi at the helm of the party during the UTM Party convention set for November this year ahead of the September 16 2025 General Elections.
Besides Usi, who stepped into the shoes of Vice-President Saulos Chilima who died in a military plane crash on June 10, Mtumbuka is likely to face other contenders who include former Reserve Bank of Malawi governor Dalitso Kabambe, former minister of Energy Engineer Newton Kambala and UTM Party secretary general Patricia Kaliati.
During the briefing, Mtumbuka outlined his vision for the party and the nation, observing that for a long time Malawi has been a nation of rhetoric and ideas without action.
He praised Chilima, who was his managing director at Airtel Malawi when he served as director of information and communications technology, as the best leader Malawi ever had.
Highlighting his extensive experience in the corporate world in the United Kingdom, Rwanda, Kenya and Malawi where he held various leadership roles, Mtumbuka emphasised his readiness to lead.
He said: “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.
“My philosophy, and the cornerstone of my leadership, is simple: plan, execute, and deliver results. I do not compromise on this, and those who have worked with me will attest to my commitment to seeing things through.”
Commenting on Mtumbuka’s candidacy, Youth and Society (YAS) executive director Charles Kajoloweka said it is encouraging to see young and vibrant professionals rising to national duty of challenging the status quo to provide alternative leadership.
He observed that Malawian politics has been toxic for a long time, scaring progressive and capable individuals from frontline political participation.
On her part, youth advocate Rehema Patricks, who is also executive director of Section 30, said Mtumbuka presents an interesting case for the UTM Party, especially from a youth perspective.
She said that while his professional achievements and Catholic faith may resonate with a significant voter base, particularly the youth and religious communities, his lack of political experience could either be a challenge or an opportunity for him.
Said Patricks: “Youths today are looking for fresh, innovative leadership, and someone like Mtumbuka could symbolise that change.”
Political analyst George Chaima said comparatively Mtumbuka does not differ much from most of the candidates in UTM Party as they are all competitive in their professional and academic achievements.
Chilima, who joined politics in 2014 after being picked as running mate for DPP presidential candidate Peter Mutharika, was founding president of UTM Party launched in July 2018 after falling out with Mutharika. He died in a plane crash alongside eight others.
