Dr. Michael Biswick Usi, the incumbent president of the UTM, has launched a scathing critique of the party’s presidential aspirants, suggesting that none possess the necessary qualifications to lead the political party effectively. In a candid appearance on a local television program, Usi expressed his commitment to compete at the upcoming convention, asserting that his decision is rooted in a belief that he sees none of the candidates being capable of steering UTM forward.
“If among those that are aspiring to be UTM President had the capacity to handle this political party, I would have stepped aside by not competing at the convention. But none is, and that is why I want to go to convention and compete,” Usi stated emphatically, signaling his determination to maintain his leadership position.
During the program, Usi shared insights from his private conversations with the late UTM leader, Saulos Chilima, revealing that Chilima had expressed reservations about selecting any of the current aspirants as his running mate or vice president during the 2019 elections. “In our discussions, Chilima confided in me about the reasons for his decisions, which all pointed to a lack of preparedness and capability among the current aspirants,” said Usi noted in reference to Patricia Kaliati and Newton Kambala who were UTM members when Chilima was choosing his running mate in 2019.
The incumbent UTM leader specifically addressed the recent claims made by newcomer Dalitso Kabambe, who has been claiming that he has a deep understanding of the UTM despite having only joined the party following Chilima’s death. “Some of them don’t know UTM adequately. Anyone aspiring to lead a political organization must have a full grasp of that institution. There is no way you can thoroughly know a political party within two or three months of joining it,” Usi challenged, emphasizing the complexities involved in understanding the party’s grassroots structures, manifesto, and strategic plans.
Usi’s remarks have seemingly stoked tensions within the party, particularly aimed at Patricia Kaliati, who has been vocal in her criticisms of Usi’s leadership. According to Usi, Kaliati’s hostility stems from personal grievances related to Chilima’s decision to appoint him as the party’s vice-presidential candidate instead of her. “Bitterness is driving some of these narratives, fueled by the fact that Chilima opted to pick me as his running mate over them,” Usi remarked.
He further recounted an incident from the past, revealing that both Kaliati and her lieutenant, Felix Njawala, approached the late Chilima with a demand for UTM to exit Tonse Alliance: “Chilima lectured them with a compelling argument on why UTM should stay in the alliance, and they ultimately accepted his reasoning,” he recalled. However, Usi expressed disappointment over Kaliati’s immediate calls for UTM to sever ties with the alliance following Chilima’s death, suggesting a disloyalty to his legacy.
Usi emphasized that with him being head of UTM, the announced exit from the alliance is only wishful. As the UTM convention approaches, the stakes have never been higher for the party, which faces internal divisions as well as challenges from opposition parties. The outcome of the leadership contest remains uncertain, but Usi’s assertive stance on the qualifications of his challengers sets the stage for a contentious political atmosphere.
