Windhoek, Namibia – Namibian politician Adolf Hitler Uunona, 59, is set to contest local elections on November 26th. The election comes amidst renewed global attention surrounding his name, four years after his landslide victory in 2020 where he secured 85 percent of the vote in the Ombadja constituency.
Despite the controversy surrounding his name, the SWAPO party candidate has maintained strong support amongst local voters.
In previous statements to the German newspaper Bild, Uunona addressed the origins of his name. He indicated that his father was likely unaware of the historical implications associated with it when he chose it. “As a child, it was a perfectly normal name,” he stated. “Only later did I realize that this man conquered the world. I have nothing to do with any of these things.”
Uunona has stated he has no intention of changing his name, as it has been a part of his official records for decades. Reports indicate that his wife refers to him simply as “Adolf” and avoids using the full name in public. He prefers to keep the name as it is.
The legacy of German colonial rule remains visible in Namibia, influencing place names and personal names. This historical context explains the relative commonality of names like “Adolf” in certain areas.
In 2020, a vehicle bearing the name “Adolf Hitler” and a Nazi symbol on its rear window appeared in Uunona’s hometown. He vehemently denied any connection to the vehicle, dismissing it as a foolish attempt to exploit his name and stir up controversy.
The upcoming election will test whether Uunona can overcome the persistent distractions related to his name and continue to serve his constituency.
