By William Mbangula Ongula Ya Netanga A family member of the late Anglican Church Bishop James Hamupanda Kauluma has questioned the criteria used for burying people at Heroes Acre. This controversial question was raised by Peter Kauluma, the brother of the late church leader. Speaking on behalf of the family at the funeral of his brother here over the weekend, Kauluma directed his questions to the audience who included President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Prime Minister Nahas Angula, Dr Nickey Iyambo, the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Swapo Elders Council Secretary Kanana Hishoono and other political, church and traditional leaders. He said: “I have a set of questions begging for answers at the moment. Who are the people entitled to be buried at Heroes Acre? What have people done who are buried at Heroes Acre which the late Bishop Kauluma has not done? I have heard some church leaders were buried there. What criteria was used to accord them such dignified burials?” According to Kauluma who is the senior headman of Ongula Ya Netanga traditional district and also the chairperson of Ondonga Traditional Authority, he has learned with dismay how some church leaders were decorated with awards of bravery and commitment at State House and elsewhere in the country, but not his brother. Most of the speakers at the funeral, including President Pohamba, constantly praised the late bishop saying he was one of their reliable partners during the liberation struggle. Pohamba even went to the extent of telling the audience that they operated under the code name Elyenge, meaning chain, when they wanted to coordinate Swapo’s clandestine activities inside Namibia. A message of condolence from Swapo President Dr Sam Nujoma also described the late Bishop Kauluma as one of the people who have left a legacy of dedicated spiritual leadership, honesty and bravery. Responding to Kauluma’s questions, President Pohamba described the matter as now water under the bridge. He did not elaborate. Bishop Kauluma died on 16 April after suffering from cancer for a long time. He is survived by his wife Sally, two children Nangado and Nangula and two grandchildren. His burial at Ongula Ya Netanga, which could be described as one of the historic events in the life of the people of this jungle village in Ohangwena Region, was held under the theme: “Fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience”. It was attended by mourners from different denominations and political persuasions.