The Uukwambi royal family wants their king position restored after nearly 100 years without one. Chief Iipumbu ya Tshilongo disappeared when South African forces took him away during 1932. Herman Iipumbu leads the traditional authority after 40 years of service. The family says they support Iipumbu but want the separate king role filled. Royal member Johaness Tshalonda calls their group peaceful and respectful.
Anna Festus chairs the Uukwambi Royal Council and wrote official statements about the kingship issue. She believes the king position should return after more than 35 years of independence. The family planned a 2024 event to remember the 1932 palace bombing. Traditional authorities refused to attend and took legal action to stop the ceremony. Court documents claimed the royal family tried illegal king appointments.
The royal family lost the court case and paid all legal costs as ordered. They called the violence accusations false stories made up against them. Traditional authorities worried the event might cause community fights. The family says they only wanted a quiet family gathering to honor their history. Chief Iipumbu refused to discuss the kingship dispute with reporters.
Anna Festus chairs the Uukwambi Royal Council and wrote official statements about the kingship issue. She believes the king position should return after more than 35 years of independence. The family planned a 2024 event to remember the 1932 palace bombing. Traditional authorities refused to attend and took legal action to stop the ceremony. Court documents claimed the royal family tried illegal king appointments.
The royal family lost the court case and paid all legal costs as ordered. They called the violence accusations false stories made up against them. Traditional authorities worried the event might cause community fights. The family says they only wanted a quiet family gathering to honor their history. Chief Iipumbu refused to discuss the kingship dispute with reporters.
