Mangochi – A legal battle has emerged involving an alleged breach of contract by the former UTM leader the late Dr. Saulos Chilima. His estate and UTM are now facing a lawsuit by Mr. Benson Kambulire of Mangochi who, according to court documents that Shire Times has seen, was hired by the Dr. Chilima as an agent to promote UTM and render other services for the UTM in Mangochi.
In his case against the late Chilima’s estate and the UTM, Kambulire alleges that he is owed K106 million arising from their contractual agreement.
According to Kambulire in his court documents, the agreement between Dr. Chilima and himself was made between 2019 and 2020, whereby Kambulire was contracted to promote the UTM party’s campaign in Mangochi. As part of their arrangement, Kambulire provided critical support, offering office premises, conducting repairs on campaign vehicles, and purchasing fuel for the UTM fleet deployed in the region for campaigning.
Details emerging from the case reveal that Dr. Chilima had promised to reimburse Kambulire for all expenditures made during the campaign, along with an additional token of appreciation post-election, irrespective of the election outcomes. However, Kambulire has claimed that, despite his numerous reminders after the elections, he has yet to receive any compensation for his financial contributions.
Kambulire’s legal representatives, Taulo & Associates, have asserted that the ongoing failure to reimburse the alleged K106 million constitutes a breach of contract by both Dr. Chilima and UTM. They have also indicated intentions to pursue additional claims, including compensation for the loss of opportunity cost associated with the unpaid sum, as well as economic losses resulting from currency devaluation.
Legal experts point out that in generally, when an individual passes away leaving behind debts, creditors have the right to reclaim the owed amounts from the deceased’s estate. This aspect of law will become critical in the unfolding case, given Dr. Chilima’s prominence and the political ramifications tied to his estate and UTM party.
