By Suleman Chitera
Human rights advocate Undule Mwakasungula has called on the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate alleged irregularities in a procurement process at the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), following reports of intervention by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).
According to reports, ESCOM had already concluded a procurement process and identified successful bidders before concerns emerged regarding some of the companies involved. The concerns reportedly prompted intervention from the OPC.Two arrested for vandalizing ESCOM equipment in Chikwawa
In a statement, Mwakasungula said the developments raise serious governance and accountability questions, stressing that Malawi’s Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act of 2025 clearly outlines the responsibilities of procuring entities and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA).
“If the President was requested to provide clearance on a procurement matter, this raises serious questions about how the issue was handled administratively. The Office of the President should not be placed in a position where it becomes directly associated with operational procurement decisions,” reads part of the statement.ESCOM bemoans attacks on its staff in Mangochi
Mwakasungula said the ACB should establish whether procurement procedures were followed and determine if any laws or regulations were breached during the process.
He further warned that any perceived political involvement in procurement matters risks undermining public confidence in government institutions and the country’s procurement system.
The human rights campaigner emphasized the need for transparency, accountability and adherence to legal procedures in the management of public resources.CSOs Demand Probe into Alleged Political Interference in ESCOM Procurement
The allegations come amid growing public scrutiny of procurement processes within state-owned enterprises and government institutions.
Neither ESCOM nor the OPC had publicly commented on the matter by the time of publication.
The ACB is yet to indicate whether it will open an investigation into the allegations.ESCOM hosts energy experts, calls for regional collaboration