What is parliament without James? – lawmakers mourn Swapo MP Uerikua

“How can I imagine the house without James?”

That was the question posed by parliamentarian Lilian Lutuhezi as lawmakers and regional leaders mourn the death of Swapo member of parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua, who died in a vehicle accident in the Otjozondjupa region on Friday.

Lutuhezi said she was devastated by Uerikua’s sudden death, describing him as an easy-going person, and a friend to everyone.

“There was never a dull moment with James,” she said.

Remembering his presence in the National Assembly, she said Uerikua had a “remarkable gift in the chamber”.

“Often he would rise to debate without a single note in his hand. Yet he would speak with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

“I would say that maybe without a doubt, he was one of the finest debaters among us.”

She said his humour and teasing during debates would be the moments lawmakers remember most.

“It’s going to be very, very difficult in the house. How can I imagine the house without James? His voice, his laughter will be deeply missed in the house,” she said.

Lutuhezi said his death is not only a loss for his party, but “a loss for every Namibian” who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Personally, I’ve lost a colleague, I’ve lost a lawmaker and I’ve lost a friend,” she said.

Otjozondjupa governor and parliamentarian John //Khamuseb described Uerikua as “an intellectual of format”, a “master of rhetoric and logical debater” and a leader with “great oratory skills and knowledge on a variety of topics”.

He said Uerikua left “an indelible mark in Swapo and the community he served with dedication and selfless determination”.

“Indeed a great loss for the entire Otjozondjupa and the country at large,” //Khamuseb said.

Member of parliament Sharonice Busch also shared her grief, recalling what she said was the last picture she took of Uerikua as parliament concluded its work this week.

“James, my brother. Why you? Why now? My heart is broken,” she said.

Busch remembered his sense of style in parliament, asking: “Who will give Shifeta a run for his money when it comes to suits and maintaining the dressing decorum of parliament?

“My classy brother always looked and smelled the part,” she said.

Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo confirmed the accident on Friday and said further details would be provided after the initial findings were completed.

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