UTM Elective Convention Kicks Off in Mzuzu

Accommodation Scarcity: a burden

The United Transformation Movement (UTM) elective convention is set to take place tomorrow, November 17, 2024, at Chisanga Complex in Mzuzu, with approximately 800 delegates anticipated to attend.

However, the city is facing an accommodation crisis as delegates and supporters have been arriving ahead of the event, leaving hotel and lodge proprietors cashing in on the high demand.

In a surprise move, Vice President Michael Usi, who is also the UTM leader, announced that he will not attend the convention.

Upon his arrival from the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Usi stated that he does not want to be party to breaking the party’s rules. “Let them do whatever they want to do,” he said.

• FDH Bank Seals K5bn Deal to Sponsor Malawi Super League
  By Suleman Chitera The Super League of Malawi has secured a massive financial boost after entering into a five-year sponsorship…
• Inside Lilongwe Police: how political zealous infiltrated protests as law enforcement looked on
  By Contributor What was constitutionally designed to be a professional, neutral, and citizen-serving law enforcement institution was, by multiple insider…
• Kalindo praises government for 14 day’s ultimatum to land grabbers
  By Vincent Gunde Political activist Bon Kalindo has hailed Minister of Lands Chimwemwe Chipungu and Home Affairs Security Peter Mukhito…
• NGO Appeals for Help to Rebuild Classroom Destroyed by Heavy Rains in Chikwawa
  By: Felix Van Captain Oggesscorrespondent Chisa Children, Youth and Community Development Organization (CCYCDO) a Non-governmental organization working in different districts…
• Board sets policy targets to improve ESCOM service delivery
  By Suleman Chitera The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited Board Chairperson, Alfred Nhlema, says the Board has set…

The convention will see four prominent members vying for the party’s top spot: Newton Kambala, Dalitso Kabambe, Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, and Patricia Kaliati.

A traveler from Blantyre expressed frustration over the accommodation shortage, saying, “We are not here for the UTM convention, but everywhere we go in Mzuzu, accommodation is fully booked.

“The only place we hope to get some space is Ekwendeni, which is roughly 21 kilometers from the city.”

The convention comes after the party resolved its internal differences, reaffirming its commitment to inclusiveness ahead of the elective conferences.