By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi finds himself in a challenging position within the UTM party, a situation that, as this article argues, is largely of his own making. The difficulties Usi now faces are a result of his own actions and decisions over the past four years.
Initially, Usi was entrusted by the late leader Chilima to navigate UTM through the political landscape, alongside MCP and other parties. This trust was well-placed as Usi helped achieve significant political milestones. However, once these goals were accomplished, Usi’s support faltered dramatically. During a period of hardship and uncertainty for Chilima and the party, Usi went silent, avoiding engagement and failing to demonstrate his loyalty.
This absence during critical moments left UTM feeling abandoned and led to a significant erosion of trust. Even as Chilima struggled, Usi’s silence spoke volumes about his commitment or lack thereof to both Chilima and the party that had supported him.
Following Chilima’s death, Usi’s role as the new leader of UTM came with high expectations. This was a time when the party was grieving and in need of strong, reassuring leadership. Unfortunately, Usi’s approach remained disengaged, perhaps as he focused more on aligning with the ruling party for personal gain rather than addressing the immediate needs of UTM.
The current state of UTM reflects this discontent. Party members now question Usi’s leadership, with many feeling his past actions have rendered him unfit to lead. His recent efforts to reclaim control, metaphorically represented by wielding a “mthiko” (cooking stick), are viewed as too little, too late. Without the necessary support and resources from the party, Usi’s attempts to lead may be ineffective.
This article highlights that Usi’s political survival depends heavily on regaining the trust and backing of UTM members. His reliance on MCP for political advancement is seen as misplaced, as the real support he needs comes from within his own party. The metaphor of the cooking stick underscores the need for Usi to have the essential “ingredients”—support, loyalty, and strategic acumen—to lead effectively.
In conclusion, Usi’s predicament is a stark reminder of the importance of consistent leadership and the need to address the concerns of one’s political base. Without significant efforts to rebuild trust and secure the support of UTM, Dr. Usi’s tenure may continue to falter, potentially leading to further decline within the party he once helped lead to success.
