Otjiwarongo: Several speakers at the final memorial service of the late former Otjozondjupa governor and Member of Parliament, James Uerikua, on Saturday described his death as a great loss to the community of Gam in the Tsumkwe Constituency. Uerikua and his son, Venturo, died in a road accident on 03 April 2026 on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara C22 road after his Toyota Land Cruiser double cab allegedly overturned three times following a right rear tyre burst.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, said Uerikua had a deep love for Gam and its people. 'As he is from Gam, Uerikua spoke highly of this place in every office he occupied. Therefore, his death is a great loss to this community, as he wanted Gam to be a developed place,' she said. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila added that Parliament has also lost a sharp-minded parliamentarian who never hesitated to speak his mind during debates.

Leader of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR), Job Amupanda, said Uerikua was a confident and authentic man who was proud of his Otjiherero origin, culture and traditions. Amupanda said the Gam community should work hard to produce another Uerikua for the nation.

Swapo Party Secretary-General, Sophia Shaningwa, said Uerikua was a member of the party's central committee, chairperson of a Swapo subsidiary (Zebra), and a loyal party member. 'As such, Swapo has lost a good leader. When you see us crying here, compare our tears to those of an army general who cries when a trusted fighter lays down his weapon during war,' she said.

Uerikua's father, Ndoroima Tjijakuka, said he was unable to speak clearly as he had lost his 'only trusted arm', adding that it would take time for him to recover. Uerikua and his son will be laid to rest on Sunday at Otjiserandu village. He is survived by two sons, his wife, five siblings, and his parents.