Africa-Press – Namibia. Legal practitioners across the country united online and offline to express condolences and gratitude to one of the prominent criminal lawyers in Namibia.
Hipura Ujaha, who died on 5 September 2025, graduated from the University of Namibia alongside Sisa Namandje and Brian Uirab.
Natjirikasorua Tjirera stated that Ujaha’s life was an “oasis of hope in a desert of despair”, in a world where competition among friends, colleagues and acquittances was the order of the day.
He added that Ujaha was always willing to help and provide advice to anyone who was magnanimous enough to acknowledge his brilliance.
“He was a lawyer of note. He was a person grounded in humility and appreciation for the next person, and it needed a good mind to see him for his open generosity,” stated Tjirera.
He described Ujaha’s as the perfect life lesson for anyone.
Ujaha rose from the dusty streets of Opuwo and beautiful terrain of Ombombo to become a prominent lawyer.
“He stood tall and never looked out of place in a court room, asserted himself with respect and confidence and knew how to deal with a criminal case.”
Tjirera added that Ujaha’s trajectory in life, inclusive of his flaws, should be a learning curve for all following in his footsteps.
“I always respected him for that during his good and bad times and even through the challenges of life, Hipura remained true to the calling of the learned profession.”
Ujaha stood true to the oath of a legal practitioner, exemplified whereby he will represent people even when they did not have the money or enough money to pay him, he added.
“As the court rises this one final time for him, I shall always remember him for his nobility and dedication.”
Matjituavi Kavetu conceded the same, stating that Ujaha “was not just a legal pioneer to me, he was family.”
Kavetu expressed that Ujaha became the first Kaokoland lawyer, “a title that carried weight and pride for all of us.”
“From early on, I admired him deeply and looked up to him as proof that it was possible to rise beyond the limits of our backgrounds.”
What Kavetu most vividly remembers about Ujaha is his smile and his humour.
He expressed sadness that Kaokaland had lost more than a lawyer, but also the son who carved a path where none existed before.
“His life continues to inspire, and for me, his legacy is personal. May his soul rest in peace.”
Another lawyer Shaun ‘Asprilla’ Gariseb, also expressed his condolences.
He said Ujaha helped him in his formative years as a civil servant at the Directorate of Legal Aid and at the time took him, Kadhila Amoomo and Trevor Brockerhoff as his small brothers.
“We were just boys becoming men and his resolve, fearlessness and courage taught us the spirit we all carry today in our lives,” said Gariseb.
Kadhila Amoomo said Ujaha had an interesting mind underpinned by black consciousness philosophy and underscored by Steve Biko and Robert Mangaliso.
“Rest in peace big brother. You did your part,” said Amoomo.
Sisa Namandje also extended condolences to Ujaha’s family and friends, stating that he has nothing but fond memories of him.
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