Career
He was initially a businessman, running several businesses including "inter-islands ferries, general store, tourism, and others", until he entered politics and "divested himself" of his businesses so as to focus on his political career and on his family (he has ten children). Uata was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga in 1975, and served as a People"s Representative until 1980. He has been re-elected in every subsequent election.
In 2007 Uata was one of several pro-democracy MPs charged with sedition over speeches given before the 2006 Nuku"alofa riots.
The charges were dismissed in September 2009. Uata was re-elected for an eighth term in the 2010 election, for the new single-seat constituency of Haʻapai 13, and nominated to the post of Minister of Health on 25 January 2011, following ʻAkilisi Pohiva"s resignation from that position.
He was succeeded as Minister for Health by Lord Tuʻiʻafitu.
