The political landscape of the UTM is engulfed in turmoil as a dispute over the ownership of party vehicles intensifies. Following the death of Saulos Klaus Chilima in June, tensions have escalated between the late politician’s family and senior UTM officials, especially those that came from DPP under ‘Chilima Movement’ during the UTM formation.
At the center of their strife is the ownership and fate of approximately 50 vehicles acquired during Chilima’s leadership with resources that were not coming from the party coffers.
Insiders reveal that Chilima, leveraging his political influence and his association with a renowned ‘tenderpreneur’, Zuneth Sattar, amassed a fleet of vehicles which were imported under proxy name. The vehicles include pick-ups and minibuses which were branded, intended for party operations. The acquisition of these vehicles was facilitated by Khwesi Msusa, an alleged UTM sympathizer and confidant of Chilima, who acted as proxy in the importation process.
In the wake of Chilima’s passing, a UTM high-ranking official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the Chilima family is asserting ownership over 30 vehicles, claiming they were intended for family use despite being adorned in UTM colors.
According to the official, this claim has sparked a fierce backlash from party leaders who argue that all vehicles were purchased with party funds and should therefore be considered UTM assets.
The party officials claim that it incurred loans from commercial banks to purchase these vehicles, making it inappropriate for the family to claim them as personal property.
As tensions mount, both sides have reportedly resorted to threats and accusations. A member of the Chilima family confirmed that they have already retrieved around 10 vehicles from the UTM pool, asserting ownership based on the assertion that the vehicles were purchased with resources from their deceased relative.
Political analysts are voicing concerns over UTM’s future in light of Chilima’s death. The emergence of multiple factions threatening party unity adds to the uncertainty, especially with an elective conference set to take place this weekend. Analysts warn that the outcome could significantly impact the party’s viability in the current political arena.
