Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, the former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) governor and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) official, has emerged as the new president of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) during the party’s convention held in the city of Mzuzu over the weekend.

Kabambe, who garnered 636 votes, defeated his rivals: Newton Kambala, who received 26 votes; Mathews Mtumbuka, who got 22 votes; and founding secretary general Patricia Kaliati, who secured 21 votes.

Out of the 727 votes cast, 22 were declared null and void.

In his acceptance speech, Kabambe pledged to promote unity and inclusivity in order to make Malawi a better place. “We must work as one people, one nation, for the betterment of all. Let us set aside our differences and focus on building a brighter future for Malawi,” Kabambe emphasized.

Kabambe also paid tribute to the former president of the party, Saulos Chilima, describing him as a true patriot. “Dr. Chilima has been an inspiration and a true patriot. His vision for transformation and his commitment to building a better Malawi brought us to where we are today. We owe him immense gratitude for laying such a strong foundation,” he remarked.

Kabambe joined UTM in July this year after dumping DPP

The convention was attended by nearly 800 delegates from across the country.