By Burnett Munthali
In an emotional and heartfelt acceptance speech following his resounding victory at the 2024 UTM Convention, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe expressed both shock and gratitude, acknowledging the challenges the party had faced while reiterating his commitment to lead UTM to victory in the 2025 general elections.
“I’m really shocked. I’m speechless,” Dr. Kabambe began, his voice filled with genuine humility. “I’m humbled and honored to be standing here today, and I thank the Heavenly Father for this outcome.”
The newly elected UTM presidential candidate took a moment to thank the outgoing committee, acknowledging the difficult times the party had endured over the past year. He paid tribute to the late UTM President, Dr. Saulos Chilima, calling him a “towering pillar, foundation, corner stone, and beacon” of the party.
“It felt like all the wires were cut off when we lost him,” Kabambe reflected. “But in his absence, UTM has shown resilience, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to the ‘Iron Lady,’ Patricia Kaliati, who held the party together during the most challenging times.”
Dr. Kabambe was quick to highlight the significance of the convention, praising it as “the best convention ever” and a demonstration of true democracy within UTM. He acknowledged his fellow competitors—Patricia Kaliati, Matthew Mtumbuka, and Newton Kambala—for their unique leadership qualities, emphasizing that any one of them could have steered the party in the right direction.
“We want to bring all talent on board,” Kabambe affirmed, signaling his intention to work inclusively with all members of UTM. “To all the winners, we have been given a job, and it’s time to work. We now have a task ahead of us.”
Reflecting on the founding principles of UTM, Dr. Kabambe reiterated the party’s core values, which have remained at the forefront of its agenda since its inception. He explained that the party was established in 2018, with discussions beginning in 2017, to address the pressing issues of tribalism, corruption, and the transformation of Malawi.
“UTM was born to fight tribalism, corruption, and to transform Malawi,” Kabambe declared. “Under the leadership of the late Dr. Chilima, we spoke out against corruption and the criminal-like operations within the public sector.”
Kabambe also took a swipe at the previous governments, which he said had perfected tribalism and nepotism, leaving 79% of Malawians in poverty today. “Chirichonse chatani? Chakwera!” he exclaimed, questioning the lack of progress under the current administration.
Turning his attention to the future, Dr. Kabambe shared his vision for UTM in the 2025 general elections. He was firm in his belief that UTM will form the next government, contrasting the party’s commitment to bringing change with the failures of the current government.
“We have been in this government but had no voice because we were always at someone’s back,” Kabambe explained. “But in 2025, UTM is forming the next government. We are going to change the narrative.”
He also expressed solidarity with the Chilima family, vowing that UTM leadership would continue to walk with them through this period of mourning.
In a moment of reflection, Dr. Kabambe called for a minute of silence in honor of Dr. Saulos Chilima, the late UTM President, whose untimely death has left a significant void within the party. Kabambe, who shares the same birth year as Chilima, promised to carry forward the late president’s legacy and vision for the party.
“I was born in the same year as the late Dr. Saulos Chilima,” Kabambe noted. “We will work together at all costs to ensure UTM wins in 2025. This is our time. A warning to all political parties—UTM is coming, and we will form the next government.”
Dr. Dalitso Kabambe’s acceptance speech was a powerful testament to his readiness to lead UTM into the next phase of its journey. His message of unity, resilience, and commitment to the principles of democracy resonated strongly with delegates and party members alike. As he prepares to lead UTM into the 2025 elections, Kabambe’s words underscored the urgency and determination of the party to bring about the change that Malawi needs.
