Namibian president woos Ugandan tycoons

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Newly sworn-in Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appealed to Ugandan business people to invest in her country.

Nandi-Ndaitwah made the call while meeting a Ugandan business delegation, led by Namibian honorary consul to Uganda Godfrey Kirumira at the Namibian State House in the capital, Windhoek, on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

The first Namibian female President was sworn in on Friday, March 21, replacing President Nangolo Mbumba, 83.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s swearing-in coincided with the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s independence day joining a handful of female leaders Africa has had such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Joyce Banda of Malawi and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.

Namibia gained independence on March 21, 1990, under the leadership of the country’s first black President, Sam Nujoma, who died recently.

Nandi-Ndaitwah is among the people who contributed outstandingly in the liberation struggle of the country under South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) which has been the ruling party since independence.

“She welcomed us as Ugandans, my business delegation and the Government delegation led by the Vice-President Jessica Alupo. The new President is indeed a good friend of Uganda,” Kirumira told New Vision Online on Monday.

Kirumira added, “The president said she wants to see her people getting involved in business a long side Ugandans to, among others, create jobs. She is concerned that despite her country being endowed with natural resources, the people were a bit lazy and that they should be encouraged to work through partnerships.”

Kirumira's wife Susan (L) while greeting the Namibian President. (Courtesy)

Uganda’s business delegation, included Kirumira's wife Suzan, Ham Enterprises propriator Hamis Kiggundu, John Bagambe of Super Oil, Geoge William Kajoba and Edward Nakibinge.

Uganda’s business delegation, included Kirumira's wife Suzan, Ham Enterprises propriator Hamis Kiggundu, John Bagambe of Super Oil, Geoge William Kajoba and Edward Nakibinge. (Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

Direct flights needed

Nandi-Ndaitwah appealed to Ugandan Airlines to establish direct flights to Namibia to ease the exploitation of business and investment opportunities existing in both countries.

The new President, while still the deputy Prime Minister of Namibia, visited Uganda in January 2024 to grace the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77+China Summits.

Netumbo at the Namibian Consulate in Uganda during NAM Summit in January 2024. (Courtesy)

Netumbo at the Namibian Consulate in Uganda during NAM Summit in January 2024. (Courtesy)

Paying a visit at the home of Kirumira located at Buziga and the Lumumba Avenue-based Namibian Consulate in Kampala, Ndaitwah highlighted the special friendship she has with Uganda and President Yoweri Museveni recalling the 100 cows he donated to her during a visit to Uganda.

She went on to visit the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds and held discussions with its proprietor Hamis Kiggundu.

Nandi-Ndaitwah invited Kiggundu to go to Namibia and invest in stadiums among other projects.