Controversy persists over veep’s alleged UK trip
By Michael Martin//MALAWI
●CSOs dismiss claims of exorbitant costs
Questions continue to surround the alleged trip of Vice President to the United Kingdom with conflicting reports about the purpose, cost and size of the delegation.
The controversy has intensified amid claims of poor public reception and growing scrutiny from civil society groups and political parties.
The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) Executive Director, Robert Mkwezalamba says they obtained a letter dated 11 December from the Office of the Vice President.
According to Mkwezalamba, , the letter was addressed to the Ministry of Finance requesting K250 million to cover costs related to the Vice President’s trip to the UK.
He says the letter was released after the organization formally requested a breakdown of the financial requirements for the proposed travel.
The organization argues that this document serves as proof that earlier claims suggesting the trip would cost K2 billion are false.
Mkwezalamba says that the Vice President, Dr. Jane Ansah, is expected to stay at her own residence in Nottingham during the visit.
He adds that accommodation for accompanying officials had already been arranged at a nearby private residence.
He further alleges that an unidentified individual deliberately manipulated figures by inflating both the size of the delegation and the projected cost of the trip.
According to Mkwezalamba, the delegation comprises six people, including the Vice President, which he says aligns with government austerity measures.
He stated that the spread of exaggerated figures has fueled unnecessary hostility among Malawians, which he described as unwarranted.
Mkwezalamba called for an investigation into individuals allegedly responsible for spreading false information about the trip’s budget.
He warned that such misinformation risks damaging Malawi’s image in the eyes of the international community.
Meanwhile, the Umodzi Party has also weighed in, demanding that the government publicly clarify the matter.
In a press release signed by party president Thomas Wezzie Kaumba, Umodzi Party said it joins other Malawians in calling for transparency.
The party urged the government to tell the truth regarding reports that the Office of the Vice President is planning a private trip scheduled for 26 December 2025.
Umodzi Party said the issue is particularly troubling given the current economic hardships facing Malawians.
The party highlighted challenges such as the high cost of living, heavy taxation, widespread hunger, and shortages of foreign exchange.
According to the press release, these conditions make any perception of unnecessary government spending especially sensitive.
The Office of the Vice President has since dismissed the allegations surrounding the trip.
In an official statement issued yesterday, the office refuted claims and documents circulating on social media.
The statement described as fake a budget allegedly pegged at K1.9 billion for the trip.
It also denied the authenticity of a purported list of officials said to be traveling with Dr. Jane Ansah to the United Kingdom.
The Office emphasized that the circulating documents do not originate from official government channels.
As debate continues, stakeholders are calling for verified information and calm as the government works to address public concerns over the matter.
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