Malawi Freedom Network 
By Our Reporter
UTM President Dalitso Kabambe has blamed corruption, nepotism, regionalism and poor leadership for Malawi’s failure to make meaningful progress since gaining independence in 1964.
Kabambe said Malawi needs a new approach to leadership, arguing that the country can only achieve sustainable development if competent people are appointed to positions where they can effectively deliver for citizens.
He made the remarks during the United Transformation Movement (UTM) fundraising dinner and dance held at Villa Tafika in Mangochi, where funds were raised to help rebuild the party’s Eastern Region structures ahead of the 2030 general elections.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Kabambe said successive changes in government had not fundamentally transformed the lives of ordinary Malawians, who continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment, hunger and the rising cost of living.
According to the UTM president, the challenges facing Malawi require decisive leadership capable of identifying national priorities and implementing practical solutions.
“Since 1964, Malawi has failed to move forward due to rampant corruption, nepotism, regionalism and the appointment of leaders who lack the capacity to deliver,” Kabambe said.
He argued that addressing the country’s development challenges requires more than changing political administrations.
Kabambe said Malawi needs leaders who are prepared to fight corruption, promote merit-based appointments and ensure that people with the necessary skills and competence are placed in strategic positions.
Kabambe pushes for competent leadership
The UTM leader said putting “the right people in the right positions” would be critical to transforming Malawi’s economy and improving public service delivery.
He maintained that competent leadership should be measured by its ability to identify problems, develop workable solutions and deliver tangible results to Malawians.
His remarks come at a time when issues surrounding unemployment, food security, the cost of living, public-sector performance and economic opportunities remain central to political debate ahead of the 2030 elections.
UTM rebuilding structures ahead of 2030
The fundraising event in Mangochi was also part of UTM’s efforts to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of the 2030 general elections.
The proceeds from the dinner and dance are expected to support the rebuilding of the party’s structures in the Eastern Region.
The initiative signals the party’s intention to strengthen its presence at regional and grassroots level as political parties begin positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle.
Hendreson Waya, chairperson of the organizing committee, encouraged other UTM regions to follow the example set by the Eastern Region.
Waya said similar initiatives could help strengthen the party’s structures and improve coordination among its supporters across the country.
UTM looks toward Malawi 2030
Kabambe’s comments add to the growing political conversation about the type of leadership Malawi needs as the country looks toward 2030.
For UTM, strengthening party structures and presenting an alternative leadership agenda are likely to remain important priorities as the political landscape develops.
The party’s fundraising activities in Mangochi therefore come at a significant time, as political parties prepare to consolidate their grassroots networks and communicate their policy messages to voters.
The debate over corruption, nepotism, regionalism and leadership competence is also expected to remain a major issue in Malawi’s political discourse ahead of the 2030 elections.
Key Takeaway
Kabambe’s message is centred on the argument that Malawi’s development requires competent, accountable and corruption-free leadership, while UTM’s fundraising drive demonstrates the party’s efforts to rebuild its Eastern Region structures ahead of the 2030 general elections.
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