By Burnett Munthali

Dalitso Kabambe, the newly elected President of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech following his victory at the UTM Convention on November 17, 2024. In his address, Kabambe acknowledged the party’s struggles in recent times, particularly after the loss of its “towering pillar,” the late Dr. Saulos Chilima.

“The strife in UTM was expected because we had lost our towering pillar, Saulos Chilima,” said Kabambe, referencing the significant role that Dr. Chilima played in the party’s foundation and growth. Kabambe’s words highlighted the emotional and leadership challenges that UTM faced following the untimely death of its former vice president.

Despite the turbulence within the party, Kabambe was quick to express his gratitude to his fellow candidates, offering congratulations to those he competed against. “I never thought I would win when I was coming here, it was not an easy contest,” Kabambe admitted, reflecting on the tight and competitive nature of the leadership race. His humility in the face of such a challenging contest resonated with delegates, who rallied behind him in the end.

Kabambe, who previously served as the governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, also took the opportunity to call for unity within the party. He urged those who had contested alongside him to shift their focus from competition to collaboration, emphasizing that “it is now time to work.”

His message was clear: UTM’s future success hinges on the ability to unite and move forward with a shared vision. Kabambe’s leadership marks the beginning of a new chapter for UTM, as he seeks to steer the party towards victory in the 2025 elections and restore its momentum in the Malawian political landscape.

As UTM prepares for the upcoming challenges, Kabambe’s call to action signals a renewed sense of purpose within the party. With a unified leadership team, the party looks poised to reclaim its position as a major political force in Malawi. The road ahead may be difficult, but under Kabambe’s leadership, UTM is ready to rise above its past struggles and embark on a path of transformation and progress.