Mphatso Augustine Sambo: From Key Witness in the 2019 Election Case to Leading the NRB in 2024 Amid Criticism

By Burnett Munthali

Mphatso Augustine Sambo, who played a pivotal role as one of President Lazarus Chakwera’s witnesses in the 2019 election case, now serves as the Secretary General of the National Registration Bureau (NRB) in 2024. His leadership at the NRB has become a point of contention, as the bureau faces criticism over delays in issuing national identity cards—a crucial component for Malawians who need to be registered for the upcoming 2025 elections.

• Malawi at a Crossroads: Is 2030 Time to Break the DPP–MCP Cycle?
  Share Listen to this article By Malawi Freedom Network LILONGWE — Malawi’s political debate is already looking beyond the 2025 election, with questions emerging about whether the country should continue moving between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP), or whether voters will demand a different political direction in 2030. Read moreRevisiting…
• The Fighters Who Built the Comeback: Is the DPP Losing Its Grassroots Warriors?
  Share Listen to this article ByOur ReporterMalawi Freedom Network | September 21, 2026 The battle for power may have been won, but a new battle is quietly unfolding within the political trenches of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP): what happens to the people who fought for the party when it had no government to offer…
• NWFA commends NBM plc for boosting women’s football as 2nd Season kicks off
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) has hailed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc for its continued investment in women’s football, saying the sponsorship is driving competition and helping raise the standard of the game across the country. Read moreSulom unpacks revised prizesNWFA president Adelaide Migogo made…
• NBM plc supports PRSM lakeshore conference with K8 million
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has contributed K8 million towards this year’s Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) lakeshore conference. Read moreAhmed Dassu Ask ACB To Investigate President Chakwera On NOCMA ContractThe conference, being held under the theme ‘Advancing Professionalism and Impact in Strategic Communication’, is…
• Mwenifumbo Applauds Mutharika’s K5 Billion CDF Boost, Says More Resources Can Transform Constituencies
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE — Karonga Central Member of Parliament and National Development Party (NDP) president Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo has welcomed President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s decision to significantly increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), describing the move as a major boost to grassroots development. Read moreInvestigative feature — Why…

Today, tensions escalated following a press conference held by the opposition parties—Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), UTM, and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD)—in Lilongwe. During the briefing, these parties accused the NRB of bias and inefficiency, citing the bureau’s failure to issue national IDs on time. This failure, they argued, threatens to disenfranchise many eligible voters ahead of the 2025 elections.

One of the key demands from the opposition was for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to work in close collaboration with the NRB, ensuring that NRB officers are present at every voter registration center to issue national IDs to Malawians as they register to vote. This is a practice that was implemented during the 2019 elections, where the NRB and MEC worked together to streamline the voter registration process.

However, in response, Mphatso Sambo rejected the opposition’s request, asserting that the NRB’s mandate is distinct from MEC’s. He maintained that the NRB should not be expected to work alongside MEC, as their responsibilities are separate. His refusal surprised many political analysts who recall how the two institutions collaborated in 2019, raising questions about the current NRB leadership’s decision.

A deeper investigation into Sambo’s stance reveals that his loyalty to President Chakwera may play a role in his reluctance to align with opposition demands. Sambo’s appointment as Secretary General of the NRB is widely seen as a reward for his role as a key witness in the 2019 election case, where he testified on behalf of Chakwera. Some political commentators suggest that his resistance to the opposition’s proposal may stem from a desire to align with the administration’s interests and maintain favor with Chakwera.

Sambo is not the only individual rewarded for his loyalty after the 2019 election case. Another key witness, Daud Suleman, was appointed as Director General of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), further fueling speculation that these appointments were politically motivated.

The challenges facing the NRB in 2024, particularly with the issuance of national IDs, have placed Mphatso Sambo under the spotlight. As Malawi heads towards the 2025 elections, how the NRB addresses these challenges will be critical, not only for the credibility of the electoral process but also for the reputation of Sambo, whose leadership is now being questioned.

The coming months will be crucial as both the NRB and MEC work towards ensuring that every eligible Malawian is registered to vote. Whether Sambo will rise to the challenge or continue to face criticism for his bureau’s shortcomings remains to be seen. However, his past role as a key witness for Chakwera and his current position as NRB Secretary General are bound to influence public perception of his actions and decisions in the lead-up to the elections.

Read also: Asilikali alephera kupherera chipolopolo cha Mapale

Read also: Woman Arrested For Biting Husband’s ‘Girlfriend’ in Ntchisi

Read also: Chakwera Attend Kulamba In Zambia