Ukwangali’s 11-year chieftaincy dispute finally resolved with govt recognition

The long-running succession dispute within the Ukwangali traditional authority has finally been resolved with the government’s recognition of Eugen Siwombe Kudumo as the lawful conventional leader. Kudumo has been in power since 2013, following his coronation, but the government officially acknowledged his authority last Saturday at the Kahenge Tribal Office in the Kavango West region. Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, who was the guest of honour, outlined the process that led to the government’s recognition.Sankwasa told the gathering that the Ukwangali succession follows a straightforward three-step procedure: the reigning hompa nominates a successor, the royal family either accepts or rejects the nomination, and only if there is no agreement do the Masimbi intervene. “This is the custom, and it is how Kudumo was nominated and accepted. The role of the Masimbi is not to override decisions when consensus exists, but to assist when there is none,” he said.Sankwasa further stressed that some Masimbi had failed in their responsibilities during the dispute. “Certain Masimbi do not deserve to hold that title,” Sankwasa said, urging the community to ensure that “proper Masimbis” are appointed to uphold tradition and protect the authority’s integrity.Established practiceThe minister also addressed the long-standing rivalry between the two royal lines that fuelled the division. On one side stood the Baradas of the Mangondo royal family in Angola, and on the other, the Marwa royal family in Namibia. Sankwasa said the government had recognised Kudumo because the Namibian royal family endorsed his candidacy in line with established practice. “This recognition settles the matter,” he declared, calling for unity and stability within the community.Accepting his designation, Kudumo pledged to uphold the customs of his forefathers and to lead with inclusivity. “I will ensure our traditions are preserved, and I will uplift the Ukwangali people,” he said. “We must move forward together after years of division.”Speaking to Namibian Sun at the Ukwangali palace last week, royal family representative Wawelya Muyenga said the community was eager to celebrate. “This is a moment we have been waiting for for many years. The people are ready to come together and celebrate the recognition of our chief and our heritage,’’ Muyenga said.Cultural heritageNTB CEO Sebulon Chicalu told Namibian Sun that the board’s partnership with the Ukwangali royal family is part of efforts to link cultural heritage to tourism development. “Our traditions and heritage are powerful assets, not only for the community but for the entire nation,” he said. “By working with traditional authorities, we can ensure that Namibia’s cultural diversity is preserved and shared with the world. "This is about creating opportunities where cultural celebrations also become platforms for economic activity, skills development and youth involvement in tourism,” Chicalu said.Chicalu added that NTB would support the Ukwangali authority in exploring sustainable ways of promoting their customs while boosting tourism in Kavango West.The collaboration between the traditional authority and NTB is expected to highlight the significance of cultural leadership beyond governance, placing heritage at the centre of development and tourism initiatives.phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Ukwangali’s 11-year chieftaincy dispute finally resolved with govt recognition

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-03

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Ukwangali’s 11-year chieftaincy dispute finally resolved with govt recognition

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-03

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