Allexer Namundjembo
In a proclamation issued in the Government Gazette dated October 15, President Nangolo Mbumba exercised his powers to recognise the removal of the Uukwangali traditional leader, or “Hompa.”
“Under the powers vested in me by section 8 (4) of the traditional Authoritative Act, 2000 (Act. No. 25 of 2000), I recognised the removal from office of the person in respect of whom the particulars are set out in the schedule, as chief of the traditional community as per the High Court judgement” the proclamation reads.
Hompa Eugen Siwombe Kudumo, who served the Uukwangali Traditional Authority (UTA), was removed from office in November 2020.
Since then, a group of elders has been pushing for the installation of Severinus Siteketa as the UTA’s traditional leader.
They have accused the ruling SWAPO Party and the regional governor of interfering in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute.
The elders contend that Siteketa should replace Eugene Kudumo, whose recognition as UTA chief was annulled by both the High Court in 2019 and the Supreme Court in 2020.
The Supreme Court ordered the selection process for the UTA chief to restart, prompting Kudumo to submit a fresh application to the line ministry, from which he is still awaiting a response.
At the same time, Siteketa’s application is also pending approval, reportedly delayed due to the lack of a signature from Kavango West Governor Sirkka Ausiku.
The leadership crisis comes after the death of Hompa Daniel Sitentu Mpasi on 17 December 2014, which triggered a succession dispute.
A faction led by Severinus Siteketa and Rudolf Ngondo opposed Eugene Kudumo’s ascension to the position of Uukwangali traditional leader, a role he was set to inherit following the death of Mpasi.
Kudumo was officially crowned as chief of the Vakwangali in 2015, a year after the passing of his grandfather, Mpasi.
However, his coronation faced strong opposition from Siteketa, a former member of the chiefs’ council, who claimed that the process was improperly conducted.
This disagreement led to legal disputes, with the legitimacy of Kudumo’s chieftaincy becoming the subject of ongoing court battles.
A faction led by Severinus Siteketa and Rudolf Ngondo opposed Eugene Kudumo’s ascension to the position of Uukwangali traditional leader, a role he was set to inherit following the death of Mpasi.
