UTM to Honor Saulos Chilima with Memorial Pillar and Discuss Party Dynamics
UTM plans to construct a memorial pillar for the late Saulos Chilima at the accident site in Chikangawa, while refuting claims about their involvement in an age limit bill. The leadership criticized the current government for corruption and stagnant development in the northern region. Allegations against the police regarding political motivations during demonstrations were also raised.
UTM, through its National Campaign Director, Maquenda Chunga, announced plans to construct a memorial pillar at the plane crash site in Chikangawa to honor the late Saulos Chilima, the party founder. Chunga made this revelation during a large rally at Katoto Secondary School Ground in Mzuzu, stating that the party is currently seeking consent from Chilima’s family for this initiative.
At the rally, Chunga emphasized, “We as UTM are still and shall continue mourning the late Chilima who was the founder of the party. We are here as a party because of him and to honor him, we shall construct a memorial pillar at the scene of the accident in Chikangawa and I can confirm that we are talking with his family to give us a go ahead.”
Additionally, Chunga addressed rumors suggesting that the UTM leadership supports the age limit bill. He refuted these claims, asserting, “That’s a total lie. Our President Dalitso Kabambe has nothing to do with such undemocratic bill and is not sponsoring anyone to push for it.”
During the event, UTM President Dalitso Kabambe criticized the current administration, deeming it a failure due to rampant corruption and the high cost of living under President Lazarus Chakwera’s government. Kabambe’s remarks aimed to highlight the shortcomings of the administration and how they adversely affected the Malawian populace.
UTM’s publicity secretary, Felix Njawala, condemned the violence that occurred during peaceful demonstrations by vendors in Mzuzu last week. He accused the police of being politically motivated and failing in their duties, indicating that this politicization escalated to chaos because police resorted to using teargas.
Furthermore, UTM presidential advisor, Mathews Mtumbuka, criticized the Chakwera government for failing to realize promised developments in the northern region, including Mbelwa University and Orton Chirwa International Airport. He urged constituents to support Kabambe to bring about necessary changes in their region.
Lastly, Patricia Kaliati, an advisor to Kabambe, expressed her disappointment regarding some senior members of UTM who she alleges abandoned the party shortly after the burial of Saulos Chilima, suggesting a disregard for his legacy.
In conclusion, UTM is taking significant steps to honor its late founder, Saulos Chilima, through the erection of a memorial pillar. The party’s leadership has explicitly refuted unfounded rumors about its involvement with an age limit bill, while also addressing the failures of the current administration. Encouragement for development in the northern region remains a key focus for the party, emphasizing the need for change under their potential leadership.
Original Source: malawi24.com
