Reported by Suleman Chitera
Here are the top trending stories making headlines across Malawi this morning
Chakwera Withdraws from Mutharika’s Inauguration After Security Threats
Former President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has reportedly withdrawn from attending the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, citing security concerns.
According to a letter seen by News Update, both Chakwera and Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba will not attend the ceremony at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
This follows threats from some Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters who warned Chakwera against attending. One supporter, Chimangeni Mapiko, allegedly posted on social media that “Chakwera will regret it if he shows up at the event.”
- Illovo Sugar Malawi Hikes Prices
Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc has announced an increase in sugar prices effective October 3, 2025.
According to a statement released on Friday, a 1kg packet that previously sold for K3,000 will now cost K3,700. In some areas such as Lilongwe, prices have already hit K4,000 per kilogram.
The company cited production and operational costs as reasons for the adjustment.
- Police Hunt Driver After Fatal Mangochi Accident
Police in Mangochi District are searching for a hit-and-run driver who killed a pregnant woman and injured two others near Nkhwazi Lodge along the Mangochi–Monkey Bay Road.
Police spokesperson Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi said the victims were on a motorcycle heading to Koche Community Hospital when they were hit by a speeding vehicle.
Preliminary investigations show that the driver lost control while traveling from Monkey Bay toward Mangochi. Police have appealed to relatives of the victims to visit the mortuary to help with identification.
- Gender Ministry Strengthens Inclusion Efforts
The Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare says it remains committed to protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
Senior official Nwazi Mnthambala made the remarks in Ntcheu District during celebrations marking Sign Language Day at Banda School.
Mnthambala said the ministry has developed a plan to train more teachers in sign language to ensure inclusivity in all schools.
She also praised the Bible Society of Malawi for translating the Bible into sign language, saying the move promotes equal spiritual access for the deaf community.
- Babatunde Adepoju Called Up to Flames Squad
Star striker Babatunde Adepoju of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets has received his first call-up to the Malawi National Football Team (Flames).
The Flames are preparing for their World Cup qualifying matches against Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Babatunde, who recently obtained Malawian citizenship, is expected to add firepower to the Flames’ attacking lineup.
- National Bank Donates K150 Million to MUBAS Fund
The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has donated K150 million to the MUBAS Endowment Fund to support students and research initiatives at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).
During the cheque presentation ceremony, Professor Nancy Chitera, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of MUBAS, said the funds will help improve learning materials and student welfare.
NBM Chief Executive Officer Harold Jiya said the bank supports education as a driver of economic growth, adding that NBM will continue to fund universities across Malawi.
The MUBAS Endowment Fund was established in 2024 to help disadvantaged students and support research and infrastructure development.
- UTM Leader Dalitso Kabambe Calls for Preservation of Culture
UTM President Dr. Dalitso Kabambe has urged Malawians to preserve cultural traditions and heritage.
Speaking in Nsanje District during the Khulubvi Arts and Cultural Festival, Kabambe said cultural events help promote unity and national identity.
“As Malawians, we must protect the customs and traditions that define us. UTM will continue supporting such festivals every year,” said Kabambe.
The three-day festival, held near the Khulubvi Shrine, features traditional dances, music, and ancestral rituals led by local chiefs.
- Dedza Dynamos Secure Partnership with Goshen City
Dedza Dynamos have reached a final agreement with Goshen City Holdings Limited on a new sponsorship deal expected to transform the club.
Goshen City spokesperson Aubrey Kusakala confirmed that both sides will sign the partnership next week.
Dedza Dynamos Managing Director Gusten Kamkosi Banda described the deal as “a dream come true,” promising improved infrastructure and player welfare.
He also urged supporters to remain loyal, saying the partnership marks a new chapter in the team’s growth.
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