By Durell Namasani
Emmanuel Michael Mwanyongo, popularly known as Yongo wa Yongo, has resigned from the United Transformation Movement (UTM), barely a year after joining the party.
In a statement released Sunday evening, Mwanyongo confirmed he tendered his resignation to party president Dalitso Kabambe earlier in the day, following a church visit.
“My career progression and new professional commitments demand that I uphold political neutrality,” Mwanyongo stated. “Therefore, I cannot continue to participate in active politics.”
Mwanyongo, who served as UTM’s Director of Strategic Planning since 2024, said it had been “the honour of my life” to serve in the role. He attended his final UTM Central Committee meeting on the evening of his resignation, thanking the leadership and members for “the trust and leadership development opportunities” afforded to him.
This marks Mwanyongo’s second high-profile political resignation. In February 2023, he stepped down from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) National Executive Committee, where he had been a youthful and vocal member . At the time, he also resigned from the Board of Directors of the National Youth Council of Malawi, stating he wanted to “build myself and my career” and would not join another political party .
He kept that pledge for nearly a year and a half. In July 2024, he announced his return to active politics by joining UTM, citing his desire to honour the principles championed by the late Dr. Saulos Chilima . His move was widely analysed as a strategic gain for UTM, bringing experienced political leadership and potential support from those who respected Chilima’s legacy .
During his tenure as Director of Strategic Planning, Mwanyongo became a visible campaign figure for UTM, urging young voters to support Kabambe and declaring that “DK” stood for “Developmental Key” . He was also instrumental in the party’s northern outreach strategy, declaring that UTM’s choice of Matthews Mtumbuka as running mate had “galvanized support” .
Mwanyongo did not disclose his specific future professional commitments but wished the party “massive growth and electoral success going forward,” closing his statement with the Portuguese revolutionary slogan: “Á luta continua, vitória é certa!” (The struggle continues, victory is certain).
His departure comes as UTM continues to position itself as a major opposition force under Kabambe’s leadership, following a challenging electoral period . The party has not yet issued a formal response to the resignation.
