Uahii dies

25 August 1947-01 April 2023

Bartholomeus Uahii Nguaiko, a former shoe salesman with a larger-than-life personality, who gave his all to his family and friends. He died in Windhoek after a short illness. At the height of his work as a salesman in the 90s, Nguaiko visited many villages in the central and eastern parts of Namibia. 

He sold many people their first real pairs of shoes, sneakers or soccer boots when owning one was a pipe dream. Popular by his traditional name “Uahii,” he was the sort of salesperson who drove a hard bargain. Then again, he was a trader who walked with clients without dropping a deal, leaving everyone smiling. 

As a father and friend, he carried with him an aura of exceptional taste, luxury, warmth and fortitude. His home was a magnet for the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s socialites and leaders. His wife, Naomi Nguaiko, and he hosted Jackson Kaujeua’s first gigs shortly after Namibia’s independence.

Alex Kaure, Maxie Big Machine Mbaha, Peet Muukua, and many other people made themselves home in his living room and enjoyed the energy he carried with him. He could tell a story, jive and treat people to luxury out of their reach without blinking an eyelid.

Uahii was approachable and fun. He wore a personality that was meant for the big screen. He was well-known and liked for the accomplished use of speech that married narrative and hyperbole.

“ I am the first person to leave a reserve and become chief in another,” he often used to tell the people he led as Chief Nguaiko at Ovitoto in Otjozondjupa Region. They are distraught and lost in the wake of his death.