James Uerikua

Also known as: Brother James · the late MP · Hon. James Uerikua

Former Otjozondjupa regional governor and SWAPO parliamentarian who died in a road accident on 3 April 2026.

2024-02-092026-10-23

News reports

Order a long-term news report on James Uerikua

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

April 2026
17 AprNew Era
James Uerikua died in a car accident over Easter weekend along with his 14-year-old son Venturo
Source
“Uerikua, who died in a car accident over the past Easter weekend along with his 14-year-old son Venturo, will be buried this Sunday at Otjiserandu in the Gam district of the Otjozondjupa region.”
Uerikua unites Namibia in death
17 AprNew Era
James Uerikua was elected as a member of the Bureau of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs
Source
“Uerikua was a strong voice in the Namibia-Germany genocide discussions and had recently also been elected as a member of the Bureau of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs at the 151st IPU Assembly.”
Uerikua unites Namibia in death
17 AprNew Era
Member of Parliament James Uerikua lost his life in a road crash along with his young son
Source
“Among those we mourn are Member of Parliament James Uerikua and his young son, who are being laid to rest this Sunday.”
Editorial – Saving lives starts with us
16 AprThe Namibian
James Uerikua died in road accident in Otjozondjupa region on 3 April
Source
“Uerikua and his son Venturo died in a road accident in the Otjozondjupa region on 3 April.”
Swapo's Shaningwa jokes about ‘safe water' at Uerikua memorial
16 AprThe Namibian
James Uerikua asked Kandorozu when he would join Swapo
Source
“National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu says when he met Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, he asked him when he would join the party.”
He asked me when will I join Swapo – Kandorozu
15 AprThe Namibian
James Uerikua deceased condolences extended to family
Source
“I further extend condolences to the family of James Uerikua and his son.”
Deputy minister Dino Ballotti presents youth and sport budget in National Assembly
13 AprThe Namibian
James Uerikua died in a car accident on 3 April
Source
“Uerikua and his son, Venturo, died in a car accident on 3 April.”
Sheya recalls warning to stay away from Uerikua
13 AprThe Namibian
James Uerikua died in a car accident in the Otjozondjupa region on 3 April
Source
“Uerikua and his son, Venturo, died in a car accident in the Otjozondjupa region on 3 April.”
James deserved a Cabinet post – Kauandenge
12 AprThe Namibian
Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua called for more funding for the commission during budget discussion
Source
“Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua during the budget discussion in the National Assembly on Monday called for more funding for the commission, saying the midterm budget should allocate additional funds to allow the commission to run its affairs unhindered.”
ACC to spend N$100 000 on experts
12 AprNew Era
James Uerikua died in a car accident over Easter weekend
Source
“Mourners flocked to the Otjozondjupa Regional Council Hall in large numbers to attend the memorial service of late former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo member of Parliament, James Uerikua, who died in a car accident over the past Easter weekend, along with his son Venturo.”
Remembered…

Politics

Namibia participates in 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania

The News

Namibia is participating in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania, from 5 to 9 October 2026, under the theme "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all." National Assembly Member Hon. Dr Peya Mushelenga said the participation reflects Namibia's commitment to multilateral diplomacy and the parliament's role in discussions on health, climate change, trade and other global issues.

8 October 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 8 October

Namibia participates in 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania
Namibia is participating in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania, from 5 to 9 October 2026, under the theme "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all." National Assembly Member Hon. Dr Peya Mushelenga said the participation reflects Namibia's commitment to multilateral diplomacy and the parliament's role in discussions on health, climate change, trade and other global issues.
8 October 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 5 May

Ministry health minibus crashes with truck, all occupants die
A Ministry of Health and Social Services 14-seater minibus collided with an oncoming truck on the Otjiwarongo-Okahandja road on Friday, killing all occupants including the driver and three nurses accompanying patients. The youngest victim was nine-year-old Lazarus Hamutenya, who was being transported to Katutura State Hospital from Khorixas District Hospital.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 25 April

President calls for SWAPO unity and vigilance against misinformation
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the SWAPO Party's Central Committee meeting in Windhoek, emphasising unity as the party's strongest asset while warning against misinformation and disinformation that could weaken cohesion. She highlighted government progress including youth empowerment initiatives and marked the party's 66th anniversary.
25 April 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 24 April

Swapo politician Mushelenga sworn into National Assembly
Peya Mushelenga, a Swapo politician, has been sworn in as a member of parliament, replacing James Uerikua who died on 3 April. Speaking after taking the oath in Windhoek, Mushelenga said lawmakers must serve the country beyond party interests and pledged to prioritise advancing the Swapo Party manifesto while working across political lines.
24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 23 April

Swapo delays naming replacement for deceased MP James Uerikua
Swapo has not yet nominated a successor to National Assembly member James Uerikua, who died in a car accident over Easter, despite party rules indicating former minister Peya Mushelenga is next in line. The party has given no detailed explanation for the delay and says it will submit a name to the National Assembly soon.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Former ICT minister Mushelenga sworn into National Assembly
Former information and communication technology minister Peya Mushelenga will be sworn into the National Assembly on Friday to fill the parliamentary vacancy left by James Uerikua's death, according to NA spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
SWAPO moves anniversary, HQ inauguration to April 26
SWAPO Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the postponement of the party's 66th anniversary celebrations and the official inauguration of its national headquarters in Windhoek from 19 April to 26 April 2026, deferring the events out of respect for the passing of SWAPO Member of Parliament James Uerikua and his son following a recent road accident.
23 April 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 20 April

Former governor James Uerikua and son laid to rest
Former Otjozondjupa regional governor and parliamentarian James Uerikua and his son Ventro were buried at their family homestead in Gam following a road accident on 3 April. Hundreds of mourners attended the burial, and Vice President Lucia Witbooi described Uerikua as a dedicated public servant who served with humility and distinction.
20 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 19 April

President calls for unity and service delivery at SWAPO's 66th anniversary
President Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated SWAPO's 66th anniversary on 19 April 2026, calling for renewed commitment to service delivery, economic transformation, and unity, while paying tribute to liberation heroes. She announced that planned anniversary celebrations and the party's national headquarters inauguration have been postponed to 26 April following the death of MP James Uerikua and his son.
19 April 2026 · Informanté →
Swapo official recalls Uerikua's work at memorial service
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa delivered condolences at a memorial service for parliamentarian James Uerikua at Parliament Gardens, recalling his advocacy for development projects in the Otjozondjupa region and describing him as a voice of reason and charismatic legislator.
19 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice president honours late MP Uerikua at funeral ceremony
Vice President Lucia Witbooi paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and MP James Uerikua at his funeral, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose legacy and impact on the nation will be remembered. Uerikua and his son died in a car accident in Otjozondjupa on 3 April.
19 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

Political leaders unite at memorial for late MP James Uerikua
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and leaders from across Namibia's political spectrum paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua at a Wednesday memorial service, celebrating his legacy as a bridge-builder who commanded respect across party lines. Uerikua, who died in a car accident on 3 April along with his 14-year-old son Venturo, was praised for his dedication to inclusive development and democratic dialogue.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
Editorial urges shared responsibility for road safety ahead of May holidays
A New Era editorial warns that road fatalities typically spike during Namibia's busy holiday periods and calls on drivers to take individual responsibility for safety through vehicle maintenance, speed compliance, and aware driving—while also commending law enforcement visibility that helped reduce accidents during the December festive season.
17 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 16 April

Swapo secretary general speaks at Uerikua memorial service
Swapo party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa delivered a tribute to parliamentarian James Uerikua at a memorial service in Parliament Gardens, recalling his dedication to development projects in Otjozondjupa and his personal warmth. Uerikua and his son died in a road accident on 3 April.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Nudo MP recalls Swapo rival's recruitment pitch at memorial
Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu recalled that Swapo MP James Uerikua once asked when he would join Swapo, which surprised him. Speaking at Uerikua's memorial service at Parliament Gardens, Kandorozu praised Uerikua as a strong party defender and influential leader whose character and impact will be missed.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian leaders honour deceased parliamentarian James Uerikua
Opposition and ruling party figures paid tribute to late Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua at his memorial service at Parliament Gardens in Windhoek, describing him as a skilled strategist and "people's person" whose work should be continued in his honour.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 15 April

Deputy minister presents youth, sports budget for 2026/27
Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

Sheya recounts pressures during Swapo electoral college process
Former Kunene governor Marius Sheya has revealed he was warned to distance himself from Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua during the party's 2024 electoral college to avoid losing votes. Speaking at Uerikua's memorial service, Sheya reflected on their enduring friendship and how he eventually informed Uerikua of the warning while protecting the source, emphasizing the rarity of loyalty in politics.
13 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Asoli leader criticizes failure to appoint Uerikua to cabinet
The Asoli Progressive Party's Josef Kauandenge has criticized what he calls "theatrics and hypocrisy" surrounding the death of James Uerikua in a car accident on 3 April, questioning why someone now widely praised was never appointed as a Cabinet minister during his lifetime. Kauandenge urged Namibians to recognize individuals while they are alive rather than only after death, and criticized the politicization of funerals.
13 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 12 April

ACC allocates N$100,000 for specialised consultancy services
The Anti-Corruption Commission has set aside N$100,000 for specialised consultancy services to support complex investigations and strategy development in its 2026/27 budget of N$1.9 million. The ACC says outsourcing expert advice is more cost-effective than maintaining permanent specialised staff, though a lawyer noted the amount is modest relative to costs in major corruption cases like Fishrot.
12 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua mourned at memorial service
Mourners gathered at Otjozondjupa Regional Council Hall for a memorial service honouring late former governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua, who died in a car accident over Easter weekend along with his son Venturo.
12 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 8 April

Horse racing association mourns MP James Uerikua
The Namibia Horse Racing Association has extended condolences following the death of parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died in a road accident between Okakarara and Otjiwarongo. Uerikua was a key supporter of horse racing in Namibia, particularly instrumental in reviving the sport in Gam settlement and establishing the Gam Racing Club, where he funded multiple competitions from his own resources.
8 April 2026 · New Era →
President tributes to MP James Uerikua killed in road accident
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to Member of Parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua, who died in a road accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara when his vehicle overturned after a tyre burst. Uerikua's 14-year-old son also died in the accident; the president described him as an active comrade whose loss is felt by the nation and said parliament and his family are establishing a committee to preserve his legacy.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Windhoek High School mourns Grade 8 pupil killed in road accident
Windhoek High School has paid tribute to Grade 8 pupil Venturo Uerikua, who died in a road accident in the Otjozondjupa region on Friday that also claimed the life of his father, National Assembly member and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua. The school said Venturo was a valued member of its community and extended condolences to his family, loved ones and friends.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo MP James Uerikua's sudden death mourned nationwide
Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua has died suddenly and tragically, leaving his wife recovering from injuries and his children grieving. A fellow MP pays tribute to Uerikua as a rare leader of exceptional intellect and humility who was deeply committed to economic renewal and serving Namibia's voiceless.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo MP mourns former governor James Uerikua
Marlayn Mbakera, a Swapo member of parliament, has written a tribute to James Uerikua, the former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP who died, describing him as a hardworking, caring, and brilliant mentor who encouraged her to pursue political office and supported her through various challenges.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia mourns parliamentarian James Uerikua, aged 43
Swapo parliamentarian and former Otjozondhupa governor James Uerikua died aged 43 in a car accident on Friday, along with one of his sons. President Nandi-Ndaitwah described him as a "young and promising leader" whose loss comes at a time when the country needs clarity and commitment on complex challenges.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo MP James Uerikua dies in Easter road accident
Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, 43, and his 14-year-old son died Friday when their vehicle overturned on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara road after a rear tyre burst. Colleagues remembered him as a sharp-minded, articulate, and humorous legislator with a passion for farming.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
National Assembly adjourns to honour deceased Swapo parliamentarian Uerikua
The National Assembly adjourned on Tuesday following the death of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died on Friday. The Speaker announced the adjournment after consultation with party chief whips, and President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Uerikua's family.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Former governor James Uerikua dies in road accident
Former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua died in a road accident on Friday, with his son Venturo also killed in the incident. Former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein paid tribute to Uerikua as a brilliant mind and kind-hearted person, while Swapo held a candlelit vigil in Windhoek.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →