By Suleman Chitera, Lilongwe, Malawi
The United Transformation Movement (UTM) presidential candidate and former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, has officially named Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka as his running mate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for September 16.
The announcement was made public today as Kabambe submitted his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. Kabambe said the selection of Dr. Mtumbuka reflects the party’s commitment to promoting competent, visionary, and development-oriented leadership.
Dr. Mtumbuka, a renowned technocrat and entrepreneur, is no stranger to the UTM spotlight. He previously contested for the position of party president during UTM’s recent national convention, where he lost to Kabambe. Despite the loss, his continued presence in the party’s top leadership structure highlights his growing influence and appeal among the party faithful.
Speaking during the nomination process, Kabambe praised Mtumbuka’s business acumen and professional track record, describing him as a “transformational leader” who has proven himself in both the private and public sectors.
“Dr. Mtumbuka brings a wealth of experience in business, education, and leadership that aligns perfectly with our vision to transform Malawi into a modern, inclusive, and economically empowered nation,” said Kabambe.
The Kabambe-Mtumbuka ticket is expected to appeal to a broad spectrum of Malawians, particularly the youth and professionals, as the UTM positions itself as a party of progress and reform. With campaign season heating up, all eyes will be on how this duo shapes the political narrative in the weeks leading to the election.
As the September 16 polls draw closer, UTM’s bold leadership pairing signals a serious push to challenge the political status quo and offer voters a fresh alternative in the race for Malawi’s top seat.
