Nkurenkuru: The Supreme Court on Tuesday approved Eugene Siwombe Kudumo as the new Ukwangali Chief after a chieftainship dispute spanning 11 years. After more than 10 years without traditional leadership, the Ukwangali Traditional Authority has finally received approval for a new chief, marking the end of one of Namibia's most protracted chieftainship disputes.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kavango West Region Governor, Verna Sinimbo, delivered the official approval letter from the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, to the Ukwangali Traditional Authority palace on Thursday. In his letter, Sankwasa officially approved the designation of Eugene Siwombe Kudumo as Chief of the Ukwangali Traditional Authority, succeeding late Chief Daniel Sitentu Mpasi who died on 17 December 2014.
The breakthrough came following intensive consultative meetings held on 06-07 August 2025 in Nkurenkuru, where Sankwasa mediated between disputing parties, royal family members, and the Traditional Council (Masimbi). During the meetings, Sankwasa emphasised the impact of the prolonged leadership vacuum, noting that the lack of a chief for over 10 years had consequences for the community, including issues with land management.
The dispute originally arose when Severinus Siteketa challenged Kudumo's initial nomination, claiming procedural irregularities, leading to court intervention. A group of elders in the traditional authority had been pushing for Siteketa's installation as chief. The Supreme Court had previously set aside Eugene Siwombe Kudumo's chieftainship in 2019, ordering that traditional procedures be followed.
The recent consultative process confirmed that both disputing parties had adhered to customary law procedures for nominating and designating a chief. Minister Sankwasa's office established that the three traditional methods of chief nomination - by the reigning chief, by the royal family, or with Masimbi involvement - were properly followed. The royal family met and confirmed the nomination by the reigning chief, satisfying the court's requirements.
The approval letter, addressed to Uukwangali Chiefs Council member Sisindi Mbambero, praised the traditional authority's leadership for 'acting in unity and for the peaceful transmission of power in terms of the tradition, customary laws and practices.' Under the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000, the Ukwangali Traditional Authority must now organise an official coronation ceremony. They are required to provide written notification to the minister regarding the date, time, and venue, to enable ministerial attendance at the inauguration.