Renthia Kaimbi
A potential conflict of interest is facing health minister Esperance Luvindao after revelations that her brother recently sought details on the ministry’s pharmaceutical procurement plans while representing a registered government vendor.
In May, Jonathan Luvindao, managing director of Atlantic Pharmaceutical, emailed the ministry requesting information on its medicine purchasing requirements.
The company is owned by his wife, Ebba Uppindi, and has been listed as a vendor with the Central Medical Stores for more than two years, before Luvindao’s appointment as minister in March 2025.
Although Atlantic Pharmaceutical has never won a contract with the ministry, Jonathan’s direct approach and his sister’s position overseeing the procurement system have raised ethical concerns.
At least two ministry officials expressed unease, with some interpreting his actions as a “power play” aimed at using his family link to secure contracts.
The timing comes as Luvindao considers a proposal to bypass local suppliers and buy medicines directly from international manufacturers.
The reform, first announced by former minister Kalumbi Shangula in 2019 but never implemented, aims to reduce shortages in public health facilities and cut costs by removing middlemen.
Local suppliers have been accused of delivering orders up to six months late without facing penalties.
The Windhoek Observer has seen emails sent to suppliers directly from Luvindao’s email address.
Questions remain over whether she can impartially lead the procurement reform while her brother’s company remains a registered vendor.
The issue surfaces as the minister attempts to restore order in a ministry hit by procurement scandals.
Weeks ago, she threatened legal action over the illegal purchase of unregistered malaria drugs worth N$450 000, a deal pushed through under emergency procedures without normal checks.
Her credibility has also been questioned over her rapid political rise and past disputes about numerical accuracy in an award she received.
Neither Luvindao nor her personal assistant responded to calls from the Windhoek Observer about the supplier emails or the conflict of interest concerns.
