LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has challenged newly sworn-in Deputy Ministers to uphold the Constitution, reject corruption and help government deliver on its development agenda.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of four Deputy Ministers at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Friday, January 9, 2026 the President congratulated the appointees and expressed confidence in their abilities to serve Malawians with dedication.
“I have appointed you because I have trust in your capabilities. Your passion and commitment to serve people prepared you well for this responsibility,” said Mutharika, adding that he expects the new Deputy Ministers to strengthen government’s capacity to deliver development.
The President reminded the officials that the oaths they took were not a mere formality, but a binding commitment to uphold and protect the Constitution and to place national interests above personal gain.
Mutharika noted that the new Deputy Ministers are joining a Cabinet that has already began delivering tangible results, stressing that their appointments were not meant to appease anyone but to add capacity at a critical time for the country.
“Our country is suffering the severe impacts of climate change. Of late, we have seen devastating floods that have claimed lives and caused huge damage to infrastructure. This is a clear threat to the socio-economic progress of our country,” he said.
Mutharika therefore urged the Deputy Ministers to work towards finding practical and workable solutions to climate-related challenges as Malawi gains traction in economic recovery efforts.
On governance, the President issued a stern warning against corruption, describing it as an evil that deprives citizens of essential services and stalls national development.
Chief Secretary Dr Justin Saidi said Section 94 sub section 1 of the constitution of Malawi empowers the President to appoint cabinet ministers and deputy ministers.
Mutharika appointed the Deputy Ministers sworn in today on January 5, 2026.
The Deputy Ministers including Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Thoko Tembo, Minister of Natural Resources, Chipiliro Mpinganjira, Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, Edgar Tembo and Minister of Health and Sanitation, Charles Chilambula.
