Chipungu challenged to explain wealth

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Chimwemwe Chipungu has come under pressure to explain the source of his wealth and assets following a call for him to undergo a voluntary lifestyle audit.

The call has been made by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), which says public officials must account for their lifestyles to promote transparency and restore public confidence.

In a statement dated July 27, 2026, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the organisation wants Chipungu to appear before Malawians through its People Power Forum initiative, where duty bearers are questioned on whether their assets match their known sources of income.

The organisation said the request follows Chipungu’s public commitments to fight corruption in the Ministry of Lands and his recent warning to land encroachers to vacate illegally acquired land.

CDEDI has asked the minister to explain the source of funding for ongoing construction works at his Backyard Park Hotel in Lilongwe, which it estimates could cost about K1.5 billion upon completion.

Namiwa: Chipungu should explain his wealthy

“A recent visit to your Backyard Park Hotel in Lilongwe shows serious construction works of a multi-story building which if completed, will cost not less than MK1.5 billion since from what we have gathered, the ground floor will have additional rooms to the already existing 28 apartments, bar, restaurant and conferencing facilities, Malawians would like to know the source of the funds for this second phase of the Hotel that has coincided with your appointment into cabinet,” reads part of the statement.

The organisation also wants explanations on several luxury vehicles allegedly owned by Chipungu, including a Nissan vehicle with registration number CMC 7. It claims the vehicles were acquired during his time serving as Minister of Defence and Security before his appointment to the Lands portfolio.

Namiwa said Malawians deserve answers on whether the assets were bought from personal earnings, business proceeds or donations, and called for proof that relevant taxes were paid.

“Given the prevailing tough economic situation, Malawians may wish to learn from you Hon Minister, how you have defied all odds to secure such high value assets within such a short period of time?” added Namiwa.

CDEDI also wants the minister to disclose sponsors behind food and sports donations he made after winning the Luchenza Municipal seat, arguing that such activities appeared beyond the earnings of a cabinet minister.

The organisation said the proposed lifestyle audit will be covered live on radio and television, but added that Chipungu could provide a written response with supporting documents due to his busy schedule.

CDEDI warned that failure to respond would be viewed as a lack of transparency from a public office holder expected to serve on the trust of citizens.