Ukwangali chieftaincy battle ends as govt officially recognises Kudumo
An 11-year leadership dispute within the Ukwangali traditional authority has finally been settled, with government formally recognising Eugen Siwombe Kudumo as the lawful traditional leader of the Ukwangali people.
Although Kudumo was crowned in 2013, his authority was only officially acknowledged last Saturday during a ceremony at the Kahenge Tribal Office in Kavango West. Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa, who officiated as guest of honour, outlined the traditional process that led to Kudumo’s recognition.
Sankwasa explained that succession in the Ukwangali follows three steps: the reigning hompa nominates a successor; the royal family either confirms or rejects the nomination; and if consensus is not reached, the Masimbi intervene.
“This is the custom, and it is how Kudumo was nominated and accepted,” he said. “The role of the Masimbi is not to override decisions when consensus exists, but to assist when there is none.”
He added that some Masimbi had failed in their duties during the dispute. “Certain Masimbi do not deserve to hold that title,” Sankwasa said, urging the community to appoint leaders who uphold tradition and protect the authority’s integrity.
Royal rivalry
The chieftaincy battle stemmed from a long-standing rivalry between two royal houses: the Baradas of the Mangondo royal family in Angola and the Marwa royal family in Namibia. Sankwasa said government recognised Kudumo because his candidacy was endorsed by the Namibian royal family, consistent with established practice.
“This recognition settles the matter,” the minister declared, calling for peace and unity after years of division.
Accepting his designation, Kudumo pledged inclusive leadership and the preservation of tradition. “I will ensure our customs are safeguarded, and I will uplift the Ukwangali people,” he said. “After years of division, we must move forward together.”
Community reaction
Speaking at the Ukwangali palace yesterday, royal family representative Wawelya Muyenga said the community was eager to celebrate. “This is a moment we have been waiting for many years. The people are ready to come together and celebrate the recognition of our chief and our heritage,” he told Namibian Sun.
Meanwhile, Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) CEO Sebulon Chicalu said the recognition also opens opportunities to link cultural heritage with tourism development.
“Our traditions and heritage are powerful assets, not only for the community but for the nation,” Chicalu said. “By working with traditional authorities, we can ensure that Namibia’s cultural diversity is preserved and shared with the world. Cultural celebrations should also serve as platforms for economic activity, skills development and youth involvement in tourism.”
Chicalu added that NTB would support the Ukwangali royal family in developing sustainable ways to promote their customs while boosting tourism in Kavango West.
The collaboration is expected to highlight the wider significance of cultural leadership — extending beyond governance into heritage preservation and community development.
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Although Kudumo was crowned in 2013, his authority was only officially acknowledged last Saturday during a ceremony at the Kahenge Tribal Office in Kavango West. Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa, who officiated as guest of honour, outlined the traditional process that led to Kudumo’s recognition.
Sankwasa explained that succession in the Ukwangali follows three steps: the reigning hompa nominates a successor; the royal family either confirms or rejects the nomination; and if consensus is not reached, the Masimbi intervene.
“This is the custom, and it is how Kudumo was nominated and accepted,” he said. “The role of the Masimbi is not to override decisions when consensus exists, but to assist when there is none.”
He added that some Masimbi had failed in their duties during the dispute. “Certain Masimbi do not deserve to hold that title,” Sankwasa said, urging the community to appoint leaders who uphold tradition and protect the authority’s integrity.
Royal rivalry
The chieftaincy battle stemmed from a long-standing rivalry between two royal houses: the Baradas of the Mangondo royal family in Angola and the Marwa royal family in Namibia. Sankwasa said government recognised Kudumo because his candidacy was endorsed by the Namibian royal family, consistent with established practice.
“This recognition settles the matter,” the minister declared, calling for peace and unity after years of division.
Accepting his designation, Kudumo pledged inclusive leadership and the preservation of tradition. “I will ensure our customs are safeguarded, and I will uplift the Ukwangali people,” he said. “After years of division, we must move forward together.”
Community reaction
Speaking at the Ukwangali palace yesterday, royal family representative Wawelya Muyenga said the community was eager to celebrate. “This is a moment we have been waiting for many years. The people are ready to come together and celebrate the recognition of our chief and our heritage,” he told Namibian Sun.
Meanwhile, Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) CEO Sebulon Chicalu said the recognition also opens opportunities to link cultural heritage with tourism development.
“Our traditions and heritage are powerful assets, not only for the community but for the nation,” Chicalu said. “By working with traditional authorities, we can ensure that Namibia’s cultural diversity is preserved and shared with the world. Cultural celebrations should also serve as platforms for economic activity, skills development and youth involvement in tourism.”
Chicalu added that NTB would support the Ukwangali royal family in developing sustainable ways to promote their customs while boosting tourism in Kavango West.
The collaboration is expected to highlight the wider significance of cultural leadership — extending beyond governance into heritage preservation and community development.
[email protected]
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