Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Person

James Uerikua

Also known as: Uerikua · National Assembly member · Brother James · my governor · Kiringi · Honourable Uerikua · the late MP · the late parliamentarian

SWAPO parliamentarian and former Otjozondjupa regional governor who died aged 43 in a road accident on 3 April 2026.

Politics

Nudo MP recalls Swapo rival's recruitment pitch at memorial

The News

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

Thursday 16 April

  1. 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

  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

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