Nekundi sees homosexuality ghost behind Ombudsman Bill

Swapo member of parliament Veikko Nekundi expressed concerns on Thursday that the Ombudsman Bill could potentially promote homosexuality through laws and international instruments that Namibia has ratified.The draft law, tabled recently by justice minister Yvonne Dausab, aims to strengthen the legal framework governing the Office of the Ombudsman. Nekundi insisted that the Bill must not be passed blindly, pointing out that Namibia’s ratified international laws are incorporated into the country’s legal system. He raised concerns about the potential hidden implications of the bill."What are those international human rights instruments? Once bitten, twice shy. We thought our constitution did not support homosexuality, and now we must be cautious. This bill should not be passed without fully understanding what it entails. The same NGOs and the Ombudsman are going to schools promoting homosexuality. These things are happening, even on radio programmes. What foreign-funded programmes from the European Union and America are promoting homosexuality through the Ombudsman’s office?" Nekundi said.He also questioned whether the ombudsman was adequately vetted to ensure alignment with Namibia’s values. "The ombudsman office is crucial - it can make or break a country. We must ensure that the person appointed is in tune with our values, not just someone with a degree or fluency in English. We must know if their views align with our country’s ideals."Dausab stated that while people are entitled to their opinions about the law, she emphasised that the bill focuses on human rights and is not intended to promote any specific agenda."Regardless of what people's interpretation of human rights is, all Namibians are human beings, and this bill covers all people in the country. I do not want to engage in the debate on homosexuality as it distracts from the essence of this bill," Dausab said. "This is about human rights, not individuals' private lives."Independence of the ombudsman officeDausab also addressed concerns about the ombudsman’s independence. She stressed that it is not determined by the office’s operational setup but by its operational freedom. "Until now, there is no indication that there has been any interference," she asserted. Dausab also dismissed the claim that the bill was being rushed through parliament, emphasising that it aligns with constitutional provisions.She explained that the new legal framework would allow the Ombudsman’s office to operate independently, with its own accounting officer and operational budget. "While the exact cost of setting up the office is not yet clear, some of the existing staff will be seconded to the Ombudsman’s office to assist in its operations," Dausab added.On the topic of making the term “ombudsman” gender-neutral, Dausab explained that changing the name is not an easy task and requires society’s readiness for such a shift. “The term ‘ombudsman’ has a broader international connotation, and while we might consider changing it in the future, it’s not a priority at the moment,” she said.Operational challengesDausab also highlighted logistical challenges facing the ombudsman’s office, which currently rents most of its infrastructure, with the exception of one government-owned building in Otjiwarongo. She revealed plans to allocate N$20 million over the next few years to improve the office’s operations. “A significant portion of the office’s support will come from the public service,” she said.She further emphasised that the ombudsman’s services are available to all individuals in Namibia, regardless of nationality, and they should be able to seek assistance without discrimination. - jemima@nmh-hub.com.na

Nekundi sees homosexuality ghost behind Ombudsman Bill

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-04

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Nekundi sees homosexuality ghost behind Ombudsman Bill

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-04

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