Nudo suspends 12 faction leaders

The National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) has suspended 12 of its members for promoting disunity in the party.

Nudo secretary general Joseph Kauandenge issued a statement stating that the group contravened article 11, subsection 2, of their constitution.

The suspension was based on this part of the party’s constitution: “Every member shall be obliged to promote the unity of the party at all times and on all levels and shall refrain from any activity that creates disunity, sectarianism and disruption of the services of the party.”

This faction of suspended members have hit back at Kauandenge’s leadership team, labelling them “delinquent”.
Among the suspended members is the leader of a faction within the party linked to traditional leaders, Tjizapouzeu Uahupirapi.

Uahupirapi led a protest against the current leadership and became the interim chairperson to lead the party and organise the 2024 Nudo congress, as well as compiling the master list of congress delegates.

“The national council resolved to suspend the following members, Chief Rukambe, Tjizapouzeu Uahupirapi, George Muesee, Samuel Kaijata, Ngavipangurue Makari, Lazarus Kaapama, Nduno Mbaha, Ernie Putuaota, Mbahimua Kamukuendjandje, Okeri Uakurama and Clay Katjihingua,” Kauandenge’s statement reads.

These Nudo members allegedly changed the locks of the party’s office. “On Thursday, 29 August, they chased the party administrative secretary at the head office away and replaced all access locks, claiming that they are now the right full leaders of the party through their ill-conceived so-called interim committee, namely Tjizapouzeu Uahupirapi, George Muesee, Lazarus Kambatuku and Kamberipa,” the statement reads.

They also suspended their Okakarara branch coordinator, Moses Kangumba.

“For recording and circulating audios on social media platforms that contain threats to the lives of the leadership of the party and sowing division within the party. These audios have already been given to relevant authorities as they contain hate speech,” they stated.

Nudo’s national council met over the weekend and decided to extend all leadership structures up until the next congress is held.

“Subject to financial availability, Nudo will have its congress next year, in the first week of May 2025,” Kauandenge stated. Their electoral college will take place on 5 October.

Uahupirapi maintains that the interim committee is the legitimate authority of the party.

“We are not going to take any action against them because we want unity within the party and we consider them as party members that are delinquent,” he says. The faction leader says they plan to give them a position in the party.

“They are members of this party despite their actions. They can cleanse themselves while operating within the party,” he says.

Uahupirapi said in a statement issued yesterday in response to the disrespect shown towards the interim committee and the warnings issued, they are taking action to suspend certain members.

“However, it is important to mention that we are mindful of the current state and challenges faced by the party, and, therefore, we are embracing a spirit of peace among all of Nudo,” the statement reads.

He said Nudo is greater than individual agendas.

“It is vital that we unite our efforts to move forward . . . We warn all members against tarnishing the reputation of the party,” the statement reads.

This faction plans to have its elective congress on 6 September and the electoral college on 7 September.