The Namibian government reportedly declined a visa extension request for Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the King of the Buganda tribe in Uganda. This decision comes on the heels of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni distancing himself from Buganda clan leaders who had traveled to Namibia to visit the ailing King.
King Mutebi II has been in Namibia since April, receiving medical treatment at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre. His stay has been a subject of much discussion, especially after Dr. Daleen de Lange, Executive Director at the Centre, sent a letter on July 9 to the Namibian Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation requesting a visa extension for the King. Unfortunately, this request was denied.
Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry, cited immigration regulations under the Immigration Control Act of 1993, which limit non-Namibians to a maximum stay of 90 days. “Given the above and having checked the records, I wish to inform you that the request for an extension for His Royal Highness Ronald Mutebi II, King of the Buganda Kingdom, is declined,” Naanda wrote in his response.
This decision has sparked demonstrations among Ugandans, particularly the King's loyal subjects, who have been vocally demanding his return. In May, protests erupted outside the Namibian Diplomatic Mission in the UK, where nationals sought clarity on the King’s situation, fearing he might have been kidnapped. The Namibian government reassured the protesters, stating that King Mutebi II was in the country on a private visit.
In a recent video statement, Buganda’s Prime Minister, Peter Mayiga, conveyed the King’s message to his anxious subjects. The King, appearing frail but hopeful, urged his people to remain united and faithful. “Our strength lies in unity,” said Kabaka Mutebi II. “My health is getting better, and I hope to return home in the not-too-distant future.”
The King's heartfelt message was meant to reassure his worried subjects about his health. He expressed gratitude for their prayers and patience during these challenging times, and thanked Buganda's top officials for effectively managing the kingdom's affairs in his absence.
As the situation unfolds, the Buganda community continues to rally behind their King, hopeful for his swift recovery and return to Uganda.
