UTM, through its National Campaign Director Maquenda Chunga, has announced plans to honor the late Dr. Saulos Chilima by constructing a memorial pillar at the site of the tragic plane crash in Chikangawa.

Speaking at a mega rally held at Katoto Secondary School Ground in Mzuzu on Sunday, Chunga revealed that the party is currently engaging with Chilima’s family to seek their consent for the project.

“As UTM, we continue to mourn our founder, the late Dr. Saulos Chilima. We are here today because of his vision and leadership. To honor his legacy, we intend to build a memorial pillar at the crash site in Chikangawa. Discussions with his family are ongoing to obtain their approval,” Chunga stated.

Chunga also refuted claims that UTM leadership is behind the controversial age limit bill circulating in political circles.

“That is a baseless lie. Our President, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, has no involvement in such an undemocratic initiative, nor is he sponsoring anyone to push for it. UTM is prepared to compete with any presidential candidate, and we are confident in carrying our flag forward,” he asserted.

Addressing the gathering, UTM President Dr. Dalitso Kabambe criticized the current administration, accusing President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s government of failing Malawians.

Kabambe pointed to widespread corruption and the rising cost of living as key indicators of the government’s failure.

UTM Publicity Secretary Felix Njawala strongly condemned the violence that erupted during last week’s vendors’ peaceful demonstrations in Mzuzu, which took place between Tuesday and Wednesday.

He accused the police of being politically manipulated in their operations, blaming their use of teargas for escalating the chaos.

“The police are being used for political purposes instead of serving the people. Their actions sparked the unrest,” Njawala lamented.

UTM Presidential Advisor Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka also took a swipe at Chakwera’s administration, accusing it of neglecting development projects in the northern region.

“They promised to construct Mbelwa University, Orton Chirwa International Airport, and upgrade the M1 road, among other projects. Yet, their term is coming to an end with nothing to show. If you give Kabambe a chance, the north will experience real development,” Mtumbuka urged.

Meanwhile, Patricia Kaliati, an advisor to Dr. Kabambe, criticized certain senior UTM members who were close to the late Chilima for abandoning the party or failing to uphold his legacy after his burial.

“It is disappointing to see some of our own turning their backs on the party and Chilima’s legacy so soon after his passing,” she said.

With UTM gearing up for the next elections, the party continues to position itself as a viable alternative to the current leadership while emphasizing its commitment to honoring its late founder’s contributions to Malawian politics.