Andreas Sheya
On the 3rd April 2026, the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia has learned the devastating news of the tragic passing on of fellow lawmaker Honorable James Unomasa Uerikua in a car accident over the Easter weekend, the same also claimed the life of his son Venturo Uerikua.
Honorable James Uerikua was part of the new crop of parliamentarians who joined the legislature, the 8th Parliament in March 2025 on the ticket of the ruling party, SWAPO. He was subsequently elected as Chairperson of the International Relations, Defense and Security. Before joining the precincts of parliament, he served as Governor of the Otjozondjupa region.
The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National council accompanied by fellow parliamentarians and staff visited the Uerikua residence in Windhoek, to utmost convey their deepest sympathies and console the bereaved family as they share the sorrow during the difficult time of mourning.
The National Assembly held a memorial service at Parliament Gardens in honor of their departed colleague and his son, a fully packed yet emotive and tear dropping occasion which brought together people from all walks of life, including former parliamentarians and President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, Firmer President Nangolo Mbumba, Third Frist lady Madam Monica Geingos and many other dignitaries. This occasion was aimed at honoring the legacy of the late Honorable Uerikua and his contributions to nation building, harnessing development and legislating for change and impact as his voice echoed in the chambers of the national assembly during his contributions.
In her tribute, President Nandi-Ndaitwah described the life of the Late Honorable James Uerikua as “a life of service, integrity and impact” opining that his untimely procession onto eternity leaves a deep void in the hearts of many, his family, the SWAPO party and the nation at large which he served with utmost humility. In honoring the legacy of this gallant son of the soil, the president reiterates the we ‘commit ourselves in continuing the work he passively advanced, to ensure that his vision lives on and his contributions continue to shape the future of our Country’.
His final moments in the chambers on 02 April 2026, were filled with joyful moments as he openly stood out to be singled out as the “best dressed’ as opposed to his fellow MP, Honorable McHenry Venaani. He however made sound contributions on the Vote 16, Ministry of Labor where he unpacked essential aspects such as ensuring equity and diversity of appointment of deputy sheriffs; called for an audit of farm laborer’s, specifically undocumented workers and also the unfair treatment of farm workers; he equally highlighted understudy issue in private companies and the compliance of labor laws within the private sector and equally vehemently spoke out against the labor hire practices.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Saara Kuugogelwa-Amadhila describe her late colleague as “an engaged and passionate parliamentarian who did not merely occupied a seat but filled it with purpose” and further conveyed the message of the legislature to the Uerikua family and the Namibian people as they mourn the loss of a historic figure in the country’s history and also the life of young Venturo which was abruptly cut short.
Honorable Uerikua is remembered as a leader who spoke truth to power, a voice with clarity of purpose and in his statements, you feel and see the passion and commitment to do just right. Leaders of all political parties in the National Assembly and other fellow parliamentarians poured their tributes, each reflecting on their relationship with their late colleague, describing them how they knew him and a defining moment that the late Honorable Uerikua indeed touched the hearts of many, both outside and inside the precincts of parliament.
