Business executive-cum-engineer Matthews Mtumbuka Tuesday declared his intention to contest for the UTM presidency at the party’s convention slated for November 17 this year.
Political analyst George Phiri has since hailed the move by Mtumbuka, saying it gives Malawians an option from a pool of people he has described as recycled politicians.
Mtumbuka, a close friend to departed UTM founding leader Saulos Chilima, becomes the first person to publicly declare interest in vying for the UTM hot seat.
Others that are being linked to the position include Reserve Bank of Malawi former governor Dalitso Kabambe, UTM secretary general Patricia Kaliati and former Energy minister Newton Kambala.
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Mtumbuka told reporters in Lilongwe Tuesday that his decision to enter the world of politics was not an easy one, but one he said he felt compelled to make, driven by a sense of duty, loyalty and purpose.
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“This is not just a political announcement but a moment to offer you a bold vision for our party and the future of Malawi—one rooted in hard work, unity, execution and, above all, results.
“As your candidate, I bring with me a wealth of experience from my years of working in the corporate sector—both here in Malawi and three other countries including the UK [United Kingdom]. I have been fortunate to serve in various leadership roles where I have had the opportunity to transform challenges into opportunities, and ideas into actionable results.
“My journey has been one of success and transformation, but I stand here today not to speak about myself. Rather, I stand here to speak about Malawi, about us, about our future, and about how we can collectively build a nation that works for all its citizens,” Mtumbuka said.
He observed that his vision for Malawi starts with the vision for building the UTM into a united block that truly represents the spirit of unity and inclusiveness.
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“A UTM that harnesses the physical strength and energy of our youth, while drawing from the wisdom and experience of our fathers and mothers. This is a UTM that is not only present in the bustling cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba and Mzuzu, but also vibrant and thriving in Chitipa, Mchinji, Dowa, Nsanje and every corner of our nation.
“We want a UTM that is a national party, rooted in the grassroots, not just vocal on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but with a strong area committee in the remotest village we can think of,” Mtumbuka said.
According to Mtumbuka, time has come for Malawians to stop the talking and start acting, saying the country has drawn up many brilliant plans that could have transformed it had they been executed.
“Yet, for too long, Malawi has been a nation of ideas but not [one] of action. This ends now. My philosophy, and the cornerstone of my leadership, is simple: plan, execute, deliver results.
“I do not compromise on this, and those who have worked with me will attest to my commitment to seeing things through,” Mtumbuka said.
Commenting on Mtumbuka’s decision, political commentator Phiri said with other political parties having already held their conventions and chosen their torchbearers, the coming in of a political outsider like Mtumbuka brings excitement to the political game.
According to Phiri, political parties such as the Malawi Congress Party, Democratic Progressive Party and People’s Party have all settled for candidates which have already been tested by Malawians.
“None of the three candidates can claim to have developed Malawi. None of them can claim to have ended hunger in Malawi.
“In fact, Malawi is where it is at the moment, among the poorest countries in the world, because of such leaders. This clearly shows that we need new leadership which can inspire hope in Malawians,” Phiri said.
