By Burnett Munthali

Masintha Ground – Felix Njawala, speaking at a recent rally, emphasized the historical significance of Masintha Ground as the birthplace of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) and honored the legacy of Dr. Saulos Chilima. Despite the recent tragic loss of Chilima, Njawala assured the crowd that UTM remains strong and committed to its mission.

Njawala recalled a poignant quote from Dr. Saulos Chilima: "Mbewa ya pa mpani simaopa moto" (A mouse in the forest fears no fire), reflecting Chilima’s fearless approach to leadership. He also highlighted Chilima’s advice to remain undaunted in the face of challenges, stating, "Do not fear when you are at war." This message of courage and resilience resonated throughout the rally.

The UTM campaign director addressed the consequences of governmental dissatisfaction, noting that “When people are unhappy with government, that government loses elections.” He further emphasized that when the cost of living becomes burdensome, it typically results in electoral defeat for the ruling party.

Njawala also referenced recent advice from Bishop Mtumbuka, who urged the youth to engage more actively in politics and shed their fears. “Bishop Mtumbuka recently advised the youth to take part in politics and stop being cowards,” Njawala said, encouraging young people to play a more significant role in shaping the nation’s future.

Looking ahead, Njawala assured the audience that UTM will be on the ballot in 2025. He invoked another of Dr. Chilima’s proverbs, “Nkhuku ya ana siitopa ndi kukuza” (A hen raised by children does not fear a rooster), to inspire perseverance and dedication.

Preaching unity, Njawala concluded with the proverb, “Gule obvina mmatope satulutsa fumbi” (A dancer who dances in mud does not shake off dust), emphasizing the importance of working together despite challenges. He expressed gratitude to the attendees for their support and urged all Malawians to make their voices heard in the September 2025 elections by voting for the right leader.

The rally at Masintha Ground was a powerful reminder of UTM’s origins and a call to action for the future.

Patricia Kaliati Addresses Rally at Masintha Ground, Reflects on Dr. Saulos Chilima and Criticizes Current Government

Masintha Ground – UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati opened her speech at the Masintha Ground rally with a stirring rendition of the song “Mzimu wa Gadama,” setting a reflective tone for the event. Her address focused on honoring the late Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and critiquing the current state of Malawi’s governance.

Kaliati emphasized that the rally was a moment to remember Dr. Chilima, who she described as a visionary leader committed to improving the lives of Malawians. She lamented the persistent poverty in Malawi, noting that despite efforts, the country remains among the poorest in the world. “In 1981, Malawi was among the 100 poorest countries, and in 2024, it is still at position 5 of the 100 poorest countries. What progress has been made?” she questioned, criticizing those who boast of improvements without substantial evidence.

She directed her critique towards the current government, alleging that it overspends on unnecessary projects while failing to complete essential roadworks. Kaliati expressed frustration over the high expenditure and mismanagement, referring to reports from the World Bank and IMF that indicate severe economic issues and warnings about the devaluation of the Malawi kwacha by 2026 if the spending trends continue.

In a somber note, Kaliati questioned the circumstances surrounding Dr. Chilima’s tragic plane crash in Chikangawa Forest, highlighting the mystery and sorrow surrounding his death. She also questioned the safety of smaller aircraft compared to larger ones, suggesting that the frequent crashes of smaller planes raise concerns.

Turning her focus to UTM’s agenda, Kaliati outlined the party’s commitment to addressing economic and agricultural issues rather than getting bogged down in what she termed “unnecessary city cases.” She also criticized the high levels of tribalism in the MCP government, which she claimed hinders Malawi’s development.

Kaliati’s address also included a warning to those disrupting UTM’s efforts, asserting that divine justice will prevail. She urged the current government to step down, asserting that their performance has been inadequate. She expressed gratitude to the World Bank and IMF for highlighting Malawi’s economic challenges and criticized the government’s spending practices.

In concluding her speech, Kaliati acknowledged Dr. Dalitso Kabambe for his continued support of UTM and urged the party to remain focused on serving Malawians rather than engaging in symbolic gestures like “bicycle riding,” which she believes will not attract substantial investment or benefit the country.

Her speech was a call to action for UTM supporters to remain united and proactive in working towards the party’s goals, emphasizing the importance of addressing Malawi’s pressing issues and preparing for the upcoming elections.

Fredokiss addresses rally on Dr. Saulos Chilima’s plane crash and legacy

Masintha Ground – At a rally on Sunday 1 September, musician Fredokiss, a prominent figure, delivered a powerful and emotional address reflecting on the tragic plane crash involving Dr. Saulos Chilima. His speech touched on themes of remembrance, political sentiment, and personal history, stirring a deep response from those gathered.

Fredokiss began by posing a poignant question to the crowd: “Will you forget the plane crash involving Dr. Saulos Chilima?” This question underscored the lasting impact of the tragedy on the collective memory of Malawians. He contrasted the public’s focus on Dr. Chilima with the way political parties, such as the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), honor their historical figures, noting that MCP commemorates Kamuzu Day but stating, “We are not interested in their celebrations.”

He shared a personal story about his grandfather, Fred Sikwese, who was a principal secretary during Kamuzu Day. “On that day, my grandfather went missing,” Fredokiss revealed. He recounted the painful discovery that his grandfather had been killed and disposed of in a drum of acid, leaving the family without knowledge of his final resting place. This personal history served to emphasize the depth of his grievances and the broader context of political strife.

Fredokiss also addressed the issue of political intolerance. He criticized those who express their political affiliations publicly and expressed frustration at the way his own party’s candlelight vigils are treated. “When people show their political colors that they belong to MCP, we don’t display our anger in public, but why do they bother us during our candlelight vigils?” he asked.

To the UTM leaders preparing for leadership roles, Fredokiss offered a stark piece of advice: “We want you to look at the devil into their eyes.” This was a call for strong, resolute leadership in the face of adversity.

On the topic of tribalism, Fredokiss emphasized that essential services and interactions should transcend ethnic divisions. “We do not have anyone who says he wants treatment from a nurse, buy tomatoes, or be taught by a teacher from your home village,” he said, advocating for a more inclusive and unified approach in Malawian society.

Concluding his speech with the rallying cry “Aluta continua!” Fredokiss reinforced the idea of ongoing struggle and perseverance. His address was a blend of personal narrative, political critique, and a call for unity, resonating deeply with those in attendance at Masintha Ground.