Traditional authority governing Omusati and Oshana regions, involved in cultural festivals, sand mining oversight, and subject to governance inquiries.
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The Namibian
Uukwambi Traditional Authority conducted sand mining with an environmental clearance certificate from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism
“The authority has been conducting sand mining at Onatshiku village with an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.”
Sand mining at Onatshiku leaves dead palm treesInformanté
Uukwambi Traditional Authority will host the Omagongo Festival 2026 scheduled for 23 May 2026
“Witbooi revealed that the Omagongo Festival will be hosted by the Uukwambi Traditional Authority under the able leadership of Tatekulu Omukwaniilwa Herman Iipumbu at Onamega.”
Witbooi praises Omagongo Festival as symbol of peace and national prideInformanté
Uukwambi Traditional Authority chosen to host this year's omagongo festival
“The two traditional authorities chosen to separately host this year's festival — Uukwambi and Uukwaluudhi — are already hard at work to ensure the success of the prestigious cultural event.”
Preparations for the Omagongo Festival are underwayThe Namibian
Uukwambi Traditional Authority said it would rehabilitate all sand-mined borrow pits it had permitted in its jurisdiction
“This week, the Uukwambi Traditional Authority said it would rehabilitate all sand-mined borrow pits that it had permitted to be sand-mined in its area of jurisdiction.”
Ministry condemns illegal sand, gravel miningThe Namibian
Uukwambi Traditional Authority has started rehabilitating all sand-mined borrow pits in its area
“The Uukwambi Traditional Authority says it has started the process of rehabilitating all sand-mined borrow pits in its area of jurisdiction.”
Uukwambi authority to rehabilitate sand-mined sitesChief Herman Iipumbu has approved a Royal Clan gathering scheduled for 15 August but prohibited the event from commemorating King Iipumbu ya Tshilongo's violent ouster by British troops on 15 August 1932, citing a 2024 High Court order. The chief is facing growing pressure to relinquish power to allow restoration of the tribe's Royal Clan under the matrilineal system of succession.
14 August 2026 · Informanté →
Chief Herman Iipumbu has approved a Royal Clan gathering scheduled for 15 August but prohibited the event from commemorating King Iipumbu ya Tshilongo's violent ouster by British troops on 15 August 1932, citing a 2024 High Court order. The chief is facing growing pressure to relinquish power to allow restoration of the tribe's Royal Clan under the matrilineal system of succession.
14 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Oponona Health Outreach Centre in Oshana region's Uuvudhiya constituency is appealing for donations of chairs, tables, curtains, electricity, fencing, and public toilets. The centre provides primary healthcare once a month and was inaugurated in April 2023.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Sand mining at Onatshiku has uprooted palm trees and created a dangerous pit that poses risks to people and livestock. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism advised the Uukwambi Traditional Authority not to renew their environmental clearance certificate due to massive environmental damage, and rehabilitation has not yet begun despite promises last year.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Phil ya Nangoloh, founder of NamRights Incorporated, has called for an investigation into alleged administrative irregularities and governance failures at the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, arguing they undermine administrative justice and constitutional rights and may create conditions for corruption.
15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Omagongo Cultural Festival, themed "Roots of Our Unity, Seeds for Our Future," will be held on 23 May at the traditional homestead of Chief Herman Iipumbu in the Omusati Region. The festival celebrates marula wine and culture, and has been held annually since 2001, rotating among eight Ovawambo traditional authorities.
13 May 2026 · Informanté →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has praised the upcoming Omagongo Festival, scheduled for 23 May 2026 at Onamega, as a celebration of Namibian culture, community, and hospitality that extends beyond the traditional fermented beverage itself. The festival will be hosted by the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, and Witbooi emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting cultural preservation initiatives.
11 May 2026 · Informanté →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare praised government investments in rural electrification, water supply, roads and health facilities in Oshana region during the 36th Independence Day celebrations, and stressed that capital projects must benefit local companies and support local economic empowerment.
24 March 2026 · New Era →
The omagongo (marula wine) season begins in early February, culminating in the annual Omagongo Cultural Festival in May, hosted on rotation by eight Ovawambo traditional authorities. UNESCO recognized the festival in 2015 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
6 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Oshakati High Court has dismissed a defamation application brought by Uukwambi Traditional Authority chief Herman Ndilimani Iipumbu against activist Tangy Mike Tshilongo, with costs. The case stemmed from a long-running public dispute over Iipumbu's legitimacy as chief, with Tshilongo questioning whether he comes from the rightful royal lineage of the Uukwambi people.
19 February 2026 · New Era →
Several Namibian traditional leaders, including chiefs and headmen, are governing their rural communities while residing in Windhoek, contrary to the Traditional Authorities Act No. 25 of 2000, which requires them to live within their communal areas. They justify this practice by citing the effectiveness of deputies and local committees, though legal scholars note such violations may warrant removal from office.
21 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has strongly condemned the rise in illegal sand and gravel mining without required environmental clearance certificates, warning that the practice causes land degradation, riverbank erosion, and threatens water and food security. The ministry says development must balance growth with environmental protection and will undertake regional stakeholder engagements to strengthen enforcement of the Environmental Management Act.
18 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Uukwambi Traditional Authority has started rehabilitating sand-mined borrow pits in its jurisdiction, including at Onatshiku village in Oshana region, after residents questioned the delay. The authority must submit detailed rehabilitation plans to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism for approval, and is responsible for funding the work, which operators can carry out using their equipment.
15 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A 25-year-old Namibian Defence Force member appeared in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court after allegedly murdering his 41-year-old friend, mutilating the body, and removing remains to his homestead. Police say the suspect had registered the deceased on a funeral cover and intended to claim the money.
7 January 2026 · New Era →