Tag Archives: UTM’s Newton Kambala

Politics

UTM’s power struggle intensifies: Kambala emerges as next target

Burnett Munthali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The United Transformation Movement (UTM) has fired its regional governor on suspicion of working with Engineer Newton Kambala, a move that signals a deepening power struggle within the party.

The decision to sack the governor was taken on Sunday, and it is seen as a clear attempt to weaken Kambala’s influence within the party.

Sources close to UTM indicate that the party is planning to replace the face of Dr. Saulos Chilima on its regalia with that of Dr. Kabambe, a move aimed at paving the way for Dr. Kabambe to take over the party.

However, this move has been met with resistance from supporters of Dr. Chilima, who see it as an attempt to erase the former president’s legacy.

Interestingly, other parties in Malawi, such as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), have retained the faces of their former leaders, Professor Bingu wa Mutharika and Dr. Kamuzu Banda, respectively, on their regalia.

Critics argue that changing the face on the party regalia is not a winning formula for elections and that the focus should be on policy and governance.

The issues in UTM started some time back, with Engineer Newton Kambala being accused of attending the DPP swearing-in ceremony of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, an event also attended by UTM president Dr. Dalitso Kabambe.

Insiders say Kambala’s presence at any UTM meeting would pose a challenge to the plan to replace Dr. Chilima’s face, as he is seen as a strong supporter of the former president.

Politics

UTM’s Newton Kambala Pushes for DPP Alliance ahead of General Elections

Jones Gadama

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Newton Kambala, Chairperson for UTM presidential council, has called on UTM and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leaders to consider an alliance before the September 16 General Elections.

Kambala emphasized that supporters from both parties are eager to work together, and it’s now up to the leadership to respect their wishes.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Lilongwe, Kambala noted that supporters want more than just individual party efforts; they desire change and are ready for the two parties to collaborate. “These supporters want more, they want to see change. Let’s do what Malawians want,” Kambala urged.

This appeal comes after vice presidents for both parties from the central region announced an agreement to work together to secure the opposition vote in the region.

Interestingly, Kambala’s call for an alliance comes despite recent internal conflicts within UTM, particularly surrounding the leadership of Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, a former DPP official who joined UTM and won the party presidency in November 2024 with 636 votes.

Kabambe’s victory over other contenders, including Kambala himself, who garnered only 26 votes, marked a significant shift in UTM’s leadership dynamics.

Kambala also highlighted that some individuals within the current Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-led government are also seeking change and should not be viewed as enemies of opposition parties, as they are likely to vote for opposition presidential candidates.

This observation underscores the growing desire for political change in Malawi.

The proposed alliance between UTM and DPP could significantly impact the country’s political landscape, potentially altering the balance of power in the upcoming elections.

By joining forces, the two parties might consolidate opposition votes and present a stronger challenge to the ruling MCP.

As Kambala pointed out, the supporters are ready for this move, and it remains to be seen how the leadership will respond to this call for unity.