Dalitso Kabambe, one of the presidential aspirant for the UTM party, has called on delegates to vote for visionary leaders at the upcoming elective conference.
Speaking to Bua Central Region delegates in Kasungu District, he expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in the 2025 general elections.
“I’m very optimistic that if I am voted into the UTM presidential seat and win next year’s polls, my experience will help address the challenges Malawians face today,” Kabambe stated.
UTM Bua Central Region Governor Gerald Mbewe hailed Kabambe’s remarks, underscoring the need for intelligent leadership to ensure the party’s success.
The UTM party’s 2024 elective conference is scheduled for November 17.
Other news
- Malawi Govt. Land Cruiser involved in alleged MCP activity sparks controversy
By Burnett Munthali
A Malawi government Land Cruiser, with the registration number MG684AM, was spotted this morning at Kawale Post Office, dropping off a man dressed in attire associated with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
The vehicle, which belongs to the Ministry of Lands, was initially seen leaving the area quickly, preventing onlookers from capturing a picture of its number plate. This sudden departure raised questions about the vehicle’s use and its association with political activities.
However, after leaving the scene, the vehicle was seen driving slowly through the streets of Kawale. It made its way to Chipiku, a local shopping center, where it parked and remained for some time.
At this point, the vehicle’s number plate was successfully photographed. The number MG684AM, which was confirmed to belong to a government vehicle, raised concerns about the use of state resources for political activities.
Political observers and local residents are now questioning whether the vehicle was being used for official government duties or whether it was involved in supporting political activities of the Malawi Congress Party, which has been a significant player in Malawi’s political landscape.
This incident has sparked an ongoing debate about the misuse of government vehicles for political gain. The situation highlights the growing concern over the apparent overlap between government resources and political party activities in Malawi.
As the debate intensifies, many are calling for transparency and accountability regarding the use of public resources, particularly in the lead-up to upcoming elections. The use of government vehicles in political campaigns has always been a contentious issue, and this recent incident has only added fuel to the fire.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the Ministry of Lands will issue a statement regarding the use of its vehicle for political purposes, or if any actions will be taken to investigate the situation further.
For now, the sighting of the government Land Cruiser in Kawale continues to fuel suspicion and speculation about the involvement of government officials in partisan politics.
This is a developing story, and it is expected that more details will emerge as the issue is explored further by local authorities and political commentators.
- Karonga Diocese mourns Pope Francis: Monsignor Lorent Dziko urges faithful to emulate his life
By Burnett Munthali
Vicar General of the Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church, Monsignor Lorent Chogawana Dziko, has told followers of the church to emulate the life of Pope Francis who died on Monday this week.
Addressing a somber congregation, Monsignor Dziko called upon Catholics and all people of good will to reflect deeply on the legacy they are building during their lifetime.
He stressed the need for people to leave a meaningful legacy, adding that as we live, we should consider the story we will leave behind.
Monsignor Dziko emphasized that human life is fleeting and that every action taken today has the power to shape how future generations will remember us.
He was speaking during a mass held for the late Pope, attended by hundreds of parishioners who gathered to mourn and celebrate the life of a revered leader.
The mass was held in a deeply spiritual atmosphere, with hymns and prayers filling the church as the faithful remembered the humility and devotion of Pope Francis.
He said: “The Catholic community is saddened by the death of Pope Francis. He led a meaningful life full of good examples.”
The Vicar General highlighted that Pope Francis stood as a symbol of compassion, humility, and service, virtues that every Christian should strive to embody.
At the end of the mass, chairperson of Laity Council for the diocese, Amin Pwele, shared a brief history of the late Pope Francis, citing his achievements as a leader.
Pwele recounted the remarkable journey of Pope Francis, from his humble beginnings to becoming a global icon for peace, environmental stewardship, and social justice.
He pointed out that Pope Francis was admired not just within the Catholic Church but across the world for his tireless advocacy for the poor and marginalized.
The brief history included notable milestones such as his efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, his push for greater inclusivity within the Church, and his outreach to other faiths.
The Laity Council Chairperson encouraged the congregation to honor the late Pope’s memory by committing themselves to lives of prayer, service, and love.
The mass concluded with a solemn moment of silence, followed by the singing of a hymn in tribute to the late Pope’s legacy.
Throughout the service, there was a clear sense of loss, but also a spirit of gratitude for the impact Pope Francis had made on the world and on the Church.
Monsignor Dziko’s message was a timely reminder that beyond mourning, the greatest tribute believers can pay is to live according to the principles the late Pope championed.
As the Karonga Diocese joins the global Catholic community in mourning, the faithful are encouraged to continue praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and to strive to live lives worthy of remembrance.
- USA announces shutdown of the millennium challenge corporation
By Vincent Gunde
The United States Government, through the Department of Government Efficiency, has officially announced the shutdown of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)—a development that has created panic among third-world countries like Malawi.
This abrupt decision has taken many African countries by surprise and signals more than just a bureaucratic change in Washington under the Trump administration, with Malawi standing directly in its path.
The closure of the MCC marks the end of one of the most impactful and performance-based foreign aid agencies the world has ever seen. Established in 2004, the MCC served as a model for countries that prioritized good governance and fought corruption.
The decision has halted both new and ongoing projects, resulting in the loss of financial capital, human capital, technical expertise, strategic planning, and the hope that came with every compact signed for infrastructure development.
The MCC has begun the process of winding down its operations in more than 40 countries, including Malawi, where politicians have often been accused of enriching themselves through corruption while the nation remains poor.
Only four countries—Mongolia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Nepal—have been granted temporary relief, with MCC continuing to fund projects there while closely monitoring corruption levels and governance issues.
The MCC was celebrated in the United States for being a model of bipartisan collaboration and was admired globally for its performance-based aid approach. Unlike traditional handouts, it partnered with countries that demonstrated good governance, transparency, and accountability.
In Malawi, the MCC’s first compact focused on reforming the energy sector by increasing power generation capacity and improving the stability of the national grid. The second compact targeted road infrastructure, aiming to boost regional trade and enhance internal connectivity. Many roads in Malawi were built thanks to MCC support—all of which has now come to an abrupt halt.
Political analyst Burnett Munthali, a patriotic Malawian, has voiced concern that no other donor can easily fill the gap left by the MCC. He warned that with the global economy under strain and shifting priorities, foreign aid can no longer be taken for granted.
Munthali urged the Government of Malawi to move swiftly to assess the damage, engage alternative partners, and start building self-reliance mechanisms that can shield citizens from future shocks, like the sudden closure of MCC programs.
“The abrupt closure of MCC may reflect changing priorities in the United States, but it also reminds Malawians of a deeper truth: that foreign aid, no matter how generous or well-structured, is not a permanent solution. It is a temporary partnership—and when it ends, we must be prepared to stand on our own,” he said.
- New political force emerges: Nationalist Patriotic Party (NPP) officially launched in Lilongwe
By Burnett Munthali
It was a significant day this afternoon at Masintha in the city of Lilongwe as the Nationalist Patriotic Party (NPP) was officially launched.
The colorful event attracted a diverse crowd of supporters, political observers, and curious members of the public, all eager to witness the birth of a new political movement in Malawi’s already competitive political landscape.
There was a sense of excitement and anticipation as party officials unveiled the party’s vision, mission, and goals during the launch ceremony.
Two weeks ago, the leader of the party, Mr. Daniel Dube, announced his intention to contest in the presidential elections scheduled for September 16 this year.
Mr. Dube’s announcement marked the entry of yet another player into what promises to be one of the most contested presidential races in Malawi’s democratic history.
In his declaration, Mr. Dube emphasized the need for fresh leadership, national pride, and a patriotic agenda that prioritizes Malawians’ interests above all else.
The formation of the NPP is being viewed by political analysts as a bold move that could shake up traditional political alliances and offer voters an alternative to the country’s dominant parties.
During today’s launch, Mr. Dube outlined key aspects of the party’s platform, including economic empowerment, anti-corruption reforms, and the promotion of national unity.
He called upon Malawians from all walks of life to rally behind the NPP and embrace a new political era grounded in patriotism and service to the nation.
The atmosphere at Masintha Ground was electric, with music, speeches, and dances that reflected the party’s desire to connect with grassroots supporters.
NPP officials pledged to conduct a campaign that is peaceful, issue-based, and reflective of the party’s values of honesty, hard work, and respect for democratic principles.
Mr. Dube further urged the youth to take an active role in shaping Malawi’s future by supporting leaders who genuinely care about national development.
As the September 16 elections draw closer, the entry of the NPP adds an interesting dimension to the political race, making it even more unpredictable and dynamic.
Observers are keenly watching how the new party will position itself against more established parties and whether it can garner significant support within such a short timeframe.
With political temperatures already rising, the coming months are expected to be critical for Mr. Dube and the Nationalist Patriotic Party as they seek to establish their presence on the national stage.
At the heart of the NPP’s message is a call for a Malawi that is self-reliant, proud, and united under leaders who put the country first.
The successful launch at Masintha today signals the beginning of what could be a transformative journey for the party and possibly for Malawi’s political landscape as a whole.
- Kasumulu Border Post falls silent amid trade ban between Malawi and Tanzania
By Vincent Gunde
A troubling silence has taken hold at the Kasumulu border post between Tanzania and Malawi — a place that just days ago was a vibrant artery of commerce and cross-border connection.
The recent ban on agricultural produce has greatly affected business activities at the border.
The Tanzanian government has made the bold decision to enforce a total ban on agricultural imports from both Malawi and Tanzania.
This move is a direct response to what Tanzanian authorities perceive as long-standing and unfair restrictions on their own exports to neighboring countries.
Chief among the grievances raised by the Tanzanian government is South Africa’s refusal to allow Tanzanian bananas, ginger, and maize into its market — an issue that has been fueling frustration in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzanian Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe stated that the ban is an effort to protect Tanzania’s business interests.
This trade standoff comes at a particularly challenging time for the continent, just days after African nations came together to launch the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — a historic step towards regional integration, prosperity, and shared growth.
Instead of realizing the dream of free movement of goods, services, and people, citizens are now witnessing the erection of roadblocks — both physical and political — that undermine progress.
South African fruit exports such as apples and grapes have already been immediately affected by the Tanzanian embargo.
Malawi, which has long relied on Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port to move vital exports such as tobacco, sugar, and soya beans to the global market, now faces the difficult task of seeking alternative, and potentially more expensive, routes through Mozambique’s ports of Beira or Nacala.
Political analyst Burnett Munthali said the consequences for Malawi are not theoretical; they are real, immediate, and painful for ordinary citizens and businesses.
He pointed out that the import ban from Malawi was originally announced in March 2025 as a temporary safeguard to protect Tanzanian local producers.
Munthali added that Malawi’s Trade and Industry Minister, Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, had worked to create an environment where local businesses could thrive without the immediate pressure of foreign competition.
However, he expressed concern that at Kasumulu border post, lorries that once carried bananas, tomatoes, maize, and other produce are now standing idle.
“Fuel tankers are among the few vehicles still crossing the border post,” Munthali said.
He warned that the development is likely to have negative effects on both countries — Malawi and Tanzania alike.
The political analyst called on all parties — Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa — to return to the negotiating table in good faith.
He urged them to remember that all are members of both SADC and AfCFTA and that pride, politics, or pressure should not be allowed to destroy the progress African nations have fought so hard to build.
