Ministry rushes to recall Uukwangali state car

The urban and rural development ministry has requested the return of a state vehicle from the Uukwangali traditional authority just hours after Namibian Sun enquired why the authority was still in possession of the bakkie.This despite a 2019 High Court ruling in which Hompa Eugene Siwombe was stripped of his designation as chief, thus eliminating his need of a state vehicle.Two weeks ago, Namibian Sun learnt that there was an attempt by the ministry to confiscate the vehicle from the traditional authority, however, junior officers who went to the palace in Nkurenkuru were unsuccessful in retrieving it.It is alleged that the traditional authority made calls to leaders in high positions - both political and in the police - who reprimanded police officers for their attempt to confiscate the vehicle without the blessing of the so-called seniors.The police bosses fingered in the alleged interference all pleaded ignorance to the issue.This took place just weeks after founding president Sam Nujoma visited the Uukwangali traditional authority palace where complaints on how the state treats traditional chiefs were raised.When contacted for comment on the issue, the line ministry requested for questions to be sent to them, while traditional authority chairperson Hamunyera Hambyuka confirmed that the authority is still in possession of the vehicle.Back and forthHowever, this week, urban and rural development ministry executive director Nghidinua Daniel - in a long-awaited response to Namibian Sun - indicated that the Uukwangali traditional authority has voluntarily handed over the vehicle for safe-keeping.“While no misuse has been observed or reported, the vehicle allocated to the Uukwangali traditional authority has been voluntarily handed over,” he said.He did not provide details on how or when the vehicle was handed over.When Namibian Sun contacted Hambyuka again, he said he received a call from an official from the line ministry requesting for the vehicle to be handed over, which they agreed to.“I don’t know how you people work because just after you called me, I then got a call from an official from the ministry requesting for the vehicle and I told them we don’t have a problem, they can go and get it,” he said.When to recallDaniel said vehicles allocated to traditional authorities are only recalled when it appears that they are being misused or become subject of succession disputes.“In general, vehicles are allocated to recognised traditional authorities with chiefs as primary users. If there is no observed or reported misuse, a vehicle may still be allowed to remain in the custody of the traditional authority.”kenya@namibiansun.com

Ministry rushes to recall Uukwangali state car

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Ministry rushes to recall Uukwangali state car

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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