Mtumbuka Hits Back at Chisale: ‘This Is Not the 1980s’ as UTM Faces Political Threats

Malawi Freedom Network
September 9, 2026
Estimated read time 4 min read
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By Our Reporter

LILONGWE — UTM senior official Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka has launched a strong condemnation of what he describes as a growing culture of political threats and intimidation in Malawi, declaring that the country must reject politics of destruction and embrace democratic debate.

Mtumbuka’s intervention follows the circulation of a video in which Norman Chisale is heard warning members of the UTM Party over their political activities and appearing to threaten confrontation if they continue moving around the country.

Writing on his social media page, Mtumbuka delivered a blunt message, stressing that Malawi is living in 2026 and should not return to the politics of the past.

“This is not 1980s — it’s 2026. No to politics of destruction, damage, death! YES to debate and development.”

Mtumbuka also directly challenged Chisale over his remarks, asking when he would begin following the very advice he was giving to UTM members.

The comments have injected fresh tension into Malawi’s political debate, particularly at a time when political parties are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the country’s next electoral battles.

In the video circulating on social media, Chisale is heard telling UTM members to “reduce the fire” and avoid what he portrays as provocative political movements.

But his warning takes a more confrontational tone when he allegedly says that continued UTM activities could result in physical confrontation.

“UTM, please be careful… your behaviour of going here and there, we will start fighting each other.”

Chisale also appeals to traditional leaders to allow him to deal with individuals he believes are causing political disturbances.

“Chiefs, allow me to deal with these people… don’t say I am doing this because I am in government,” he says.

The remarks have raised questions over the increasingly aggressive language being used in Malawi’s political space and whether political disagreements are being allowed to drift towards threats of physical confrontation.

For Mtumbuka, the answer is clear: political competition should be settled through ideas, public debate and development—not intimidation.

His message effectively draws a line between legitimate political mobilisation and rhetoric that could potentially inflame tensions among supporters of rival parties.

A Dangerous Political Direction?

Malawi has a long history of intense political competition, but the use of language suggesting violence or physical confrontation risks deepening political divisions at grassroots level.

Political leaders and their supporters command significant influence over their followers. Statements made at rallies or shared online can quickly spread beyond their original audience, potentially escalating disagreements that might otherwise have remained political disputes.

Mtumbuka’s intervention therefore goes beyond his disagreement with Chisale.

It raises a bigger question for Malawi’s political leadership: Is the country prepared to conduct the next phase of political competition through ideas—or will political opponents increasingly be treated as enemies?

The UTM official is clearly advocating for the former.

His call for “debate and development” places pressure on political actors to explain what they intend to deliver to Malawians instead of threatening those who hold different political views.

UTM Leadership Meets Chakwera

The controversy comes after UTM leaders, including Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, met former President and MCP leader Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera in Kasungu District.

The meeting has also attracted political attention as parties and political figures continue to reposition themselves within Malawi’s evolving political landscape.

The presence of senior UTM figures at the meeting, followed by Chisale’s remarks, has added another layer to an already charged political conversation.

For Mtumbuka, however, the message appears uncompromising: Malawi is no longer in the 1980s, and political differences must not become a justification for destruction, intimidation or violence.

The challenge now is whether other political actors will heed that warning.

Because if political disagreement begins to be settled through threats rather than ballots, Malawi risks turning democratic competition into something far more dangerous.