On Tuesday, Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, a prominent Catholic figure, announced his decision to enter active politics and compete for the presidency of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) at the party’s upcoming convention.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, Mtumbuka revealed that his decision to join politics and vie for UTM’s top position was influenced by calls from Malawians urging him to step into the political arena.
With a wealth of experience from working in various countries and companies, Mtumbuka expressed confidence in his ability to transform Malawi’s challenges into opportunities that would improve the lives of its citizens.
He appealed to UTM members to support his candidacy during the party’s elective conference scheduled for November in Blantyre.
“I share the vision of UTM’s late founder, Dr. Saulos Chilima, focusing on economic transformation through industrialization, trade, technology, and agriculture,” he stated.
Mtumbuka also underscored the importance of creating opportunities for the youth to tackle the high unemployment rate in Malawi.
Additionally, he pointed out that while Malawi has often been a nation of innovative ideas, it has struggled with implementation. He vowed to prioritize effective planning, execution, and delivery to ensure national transformation.
Interestingly, no notable UTM officials were present to endorse Mtumbuka during the press conference.
Mtumbuka is the first candidate to openly declare his intention to contest for UTM’s presidency at the upcoming convention.
Other potential contenders for the party’s top position, according to reports, include UTM Secretary General Dr. Patricia Kaliyati, former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor Dalitso Kabambe, Newton Kambala, and the current UTM President, Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi.
In preparation for the 2025 general elections, other political parties, such as the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and People’s Party (PP), have already held their elective conventions.
