Patience Makwele
The death of Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua and his son in a car crash has shaken Namibia.
James (43) and his 14-year-old son, Venturo Uerikua, died on Friday over the Easter weekend in a crash on the C22 road between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara.
According to the police report from the weekend, the accident occurred around 12h55 when a white Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly lost control after a rear tyre burst and overturned.
“It is alleged that the driver lost control over the vehicle after the rear tyre bust and it overturned,” the report states.
Police said there were seven occupants in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
“All the injured were admitted to Otjiwarongo State Hospital… before they were all further transferred to Windhoek,” the report states.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described James as a disciplined and promising voice in national debates.
“Honourable Uerikua was a young and promising leader, a brilliant mind, and a very well-spoken voice in our national discourse,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She said his death is a loss to his family, the Swapo and the country.
“At a time when our country faces complex challenges, we have lost a bright light far too soon,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitrwah said his [James’] work in the National Assembly reflected intellect and purpose and noted that his contribution to Namibia’s democracy will be remembered.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba also conveyed condolences.
“He served Namibia with dedication and purpose, and his contribution will be remembered,” Pohamba said.
Inside the National Assembly, members reflected on his role in building working relationships across political lines.
The secretary to the National Assembly, Esther Kaapanda, said James engaged with all members.
“He interacted with every member of Parliament, irrespective of which political party you belong to; he was a bridge of peace,” Kaapanda said.
Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila described him as a principled lawmaker.
“Honourable Uerikua was a towering political figure; in spite of his youthful age, he was someone who embodied the values of loyalty, faith, modesty and passion,” she said.
Swapo member of parliament Tobie Aupindi, who is usually seated next to the late James in the National Assembly, described James’ death as deeply painful, saying he has lost more than just a colleague.
“My heart is shattered. I have lost not just a colleague but a dear friend and a brother, Honourable James Uarikua, taken from us so suddenly and tragically in a car accident,” he said.
He said James was a compassionate leader who connected easily with people and carried himself with humility.
“James was more than a leader—he was a kind soul, a pillar of strength and a man whose humility and love for people defined his life,” he said.
Aupindi said the memories they shared in parliament and beyond will remain with him.
“The laughter we shared, the struggles we faced together, and the dreams we carried for our country will forever live in my heart,” he said.
At party level, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa visited the bereaved family in Windhoek over the weekend.
“We are mourning. We are crying, but we have to remain strong,” Shaningwa said.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani said the country had lost a national figure.
“We just don’t want to be quiet as if we do not know what we have lost. It’s a national loss to our country,” Venaani said.
The leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Martin Lukato, also extended condolences.
A legacy in Otjozondjupa
James served as governor of Otjozondjupa from 2020 to 2025, where he focused on agriculture, youth empowerment and infrastructure.
Swapo regional coordinator Imms Namaseb said his work in the region left a lasting impact.
“He was persistent on agricultural development, especially youth involvement in livestock farming. He is the biggest advocate of road infrastructure and road upgrading, especially B1, as well as the Tsumkwe-Gam road. He commanded the room, and he commanded our admiration. Here in Otjozondjupa, we are truly deeply touched,” Namaseb said.
Namaseb also spoke about the loss of James’ son and the condition of the surviving family members.
“We are equally moved and devastated by the passing of his beloved son, a young member of our Swapo Party Pioneers Movement. In this hour of unimaginable pain, we also hold space for the dear wife and the surviving sons, who are currently receiving medical treatment in Windhoek,” he said.
Otjiwarongo mayor Leonard Simushi said the region must continue the work James started.
“Our late governor laboured to build a region of resilience, opportunity and unity. The greatest monument we can build for him is one that remains peaceful, cooperative and developmental,” Simushi said.
James rose through the ranks of Swapo before entering Parliament. Colleagues described him as focused and disciplined, with an approach that emphasised practical outcomes.
“His presence in Parliament was marked by integrity, consistency and a focus on practical outcomes rather than political point-scoring,” Kaapanda said.
In one of his last public appearances, James spoke on rising fuel costs and urged Namibians to fill up their vehicles ahead of the increase.
Businessman Knowledge Katti said James stood out in leadership, noting that he never used his position to look down on others.
“Brother James, my governor, you were one of a kind. In Namibia, where power so often blinded some of your comrades, you were refreshingly, beautifully different,” he said.
He added that James remained approachable both as governor of Otjozondjupa and as a member of parliament, often reaching out with encouragement.
“Instead, you will send emotional and encouraging messages after reading any of our announcements in the news or any articles about us in the local papers,” he said.
Katti shared messages James sent to him, including one linked to the Kombat mine project.
“I am pleased to hear from you that you have ceded 10% of your shareholding to the community. We need to put up a well-thought-out business plan for the community to utilise those resources optimally and for the benefit of all,” James said in one message.
In another message related to Namibia’s oil discoveries, James encouraged Katti’s work.
“Congrats, son of the soil, you have over time and again been a success story of our country at a global level. “Continue to shine, and may the Almighty God keep you safe and protected,” he said.
Katti said James took time to listen to ideas and engage meaningfully on development issues.
He recalled recent engagements with James, including discussions on youth empowerment and economic development during a trip to New York.
Katti said beyond his leadership, Uerikua was a person who embraced life fully, recalling moments they shared during official trips.
“No pretence. Just a man fully alive, fully present, celebrating the moment,” he said.
He said James’ legacy will live on through the people he inspired and the ideas he championed.
