Despite the approval of Malakia Shoombe as Chief of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority, some community members, including members of the royal family, have expressed frustration over the decision, saying it is unfair.

Shoombe’s designation was approved by urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, under whose purview traditional authorities resort. In a letter dated 9 January 2026, seen by this publication, Sankwasa approved an application to designate Shoombe, replacing the late chief Daniel Shooya.

However, diametrically opposed to this designation are the royal family and certain quarters of the community.

They argue that Johannes Asino, a member of the traditional authority, is the legitimate heir to the Uukolonkadhi throne.

In fact, it is their fervent position that Asino was nominated by the late Shooya and that his name is recorded in his will.

Shoombe has been acting as chief of Uukolonkadhi since 2020 after the late Shooya became ill.

Chief Shooya died in 2024.

Shoombe and Asino are both grandsons of the late Shooya.

What is more, in Sankwasa’s missive, approval was granted following a consultative meeting held from 30 September to 1 October 2025. 

The meeting involved the two disputing candidates and their representatives, the Council of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority, the chairperson of the Eight Northern Traditional Authorities Association Ndilimani Iipumbu, the deputy chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders Omukwannilwa Shuumbwa Nangolo, a representative from the Uukwaluudhi Traditional Authority (as the neighbouring traditional authority), and other concerned stakeholders. “Furthermore, the recommendations to designate Malakiya Shoombe as the new Chief of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority, emanating from the consultative meeting, were endorsed in writing by the Council of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority,” said Sankwasa.

The minister stressed that, in terms of Section 5(7) of the Traditional Authorities Act, the traditional authority is required to officially designate the chief on a date, time, and place determined by the authority.

“You are also required to give prior written notification to the minister of the date, time, and place in question to enable him or his representative to attend and witness the official designation of the chief. After the official designation, the minister will then finalise the recognition process in terms of Section 6 of the Traditional Authorities Act,” Sankwasa said.

When approached for comment yesterday, Sankwasa said the meeting was conducted fairly and that no sides were taken.

“Questions were asked, and I listened carefully. I don’t know Shoombe personally; I was just doing my work,” he said.

He added that the approval to designate Shoombe was based on what was presented during the meeting.

Yesterday, Shoombe told New Era that he was not aware of Asino having been nominated by the late Shooya.

“I am only aware that I was given the task of acting in the office because my grandfather was ill,” he said.

However, Shoombe declined to answer further questions.

“I don’t want to mention many things because we still have to hold a meeting,” he said.

When approached for comment, Asino revealed that it is true he was nominated by his grandfather in 2008.

“In 2008, my grandfather called me to his homestead and told me that when he dies, I will take over as chief. He even wrote it in his will,” said Asino.

He said that upon hearing about the issue, he immediately went to Shoombe so that he could listen to what their grandfather had said.

“Everyone in our family and community is aware that I was nominated. Even Shoombe knows, but he is fighting to lead,” he said.

Asino said Shoombe was only acting and that this does not mean he was nominated to be chief.

“The day my grandfather told me that I would take over when he dies, we made an agreement with Shoombe that he would assist in the office. I even wrote a letter as evidence,” he stressed.

Asino said that Shoombe’s long period as acting chief does not grant him the right to lead the Uukolonkadhi Kingdom.

“I am not happy. This is unfair, and I am sure my grandfather is not happy wherever he is. He loved peace and trusted me with responsibility,” he said.

Also speaking to New Era, senior chairperson Andreas Amunyela, who has served in the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority for many years, said that since 1996, the late Shooya had been telling them that Asino would take over when he died.

“We are also not happy with the decision made by Minister Sankwasa. Asino deserves the chair to lead us,” he added.

Amunyela said that on Monday, he and fellow senior council members were called to Shoombe’s office, where they were informed about the designation letter from the minister.

“He told us that he has been designated as chief of Uukolonkadhi and that we should set a date for his official inauguration,” he said.

Also speaking to our newspaper, the chairperson of the royal family committee confirmed that Asino was duly nominated by the late Shooya.

“Everyone is aware of it, even Shoombe. I have attended family meetings regarding this issue,” he said.
–fhamalwa@nepc.com.na