NUDO was founded by Mburumba Kerina, Clemens Kapuuo, and Hosea Kutako in September 1965 at the suggestion of the Herero Chief’s Council.

[6][7] In the parliamentary election held on 15 and 16 November 2004, the party won 4.1% of popular votes and three out of 78 seats.

Herero Chief Kuaima Riruako, the President of NUDO, was its candidate in the concurrent presidential election, placing fourth with 4.23% of the national vote.

NUDO president Kuaima Riruako died on 2 June 2014, and was succeeded by Asser Mbai.

in the 2014 National Assembly elections NUDO won two seats which went to president Asser Mbai and secretary-general Meundju Jahanika.