By Burnett Munthali
At the recent UTM fundraising dinner, Engineer Newton Kambala made a notable gesture by purchasing a portrait of the late Saulos Klaus Chilima, former Vice President of Malawi, for MWK 25.2 million. The portrait was handed over to Kambala by Mayi Patricia Kaliati, the UTM Party’s Vice President, during the event.
Kambala, who is one of the key candidates vying for the UTM Party leadership position, has shown strong support for the party’s values and its leadership legacy, particularly that of the late Chilima. The portrait purchase reflects Kambala’s deep respect for the late Chilima’s contributions to Malawian politics, as well as his commitment to the future direction of UTM.
The UTM convention, where leadership positions will be contested, is scheduled for November 17, 2024, in Mzuzu. Kambala’s acquisition of the portrait comes at a critical time, as the party prepares for this pivotal event. It underscores his dedication to UTM’s progress and his alignment with then party’s vision of leadership.
Kambala’s involvement in the leadership race and his participation in the fundraising dinner demonstrate his resolve to strengthen the party and carry forward its goals in the 2025 elections. His actions also signal that the race for the UTM leadership will be highly competitive, with several prominent figures expected to vie for the position.
The portrait purchase not only highlights Kambala’s political commitment but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Saulos Chilima, whose leadership continues to inspire the UTM Party members and the broader Malawian political landscape. As the party looks toward the future, Kambala’s support for Chilima’s memory will likely resonate as the UTM moves closer to selecting its next leader.
