The Namibian government refused to extend Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s visa, citing serious security concerns and a lack of cooperation from the Ugandan government, a decision that angered many of his subjects from Buganda Kingdom.
In a detailed statement released on Friday, the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security shed light on the disruptions caused by some Buganda Kingdom subjects. According to the ministry, these individuals held unauthorized demonstrations at Namibian diplomatic missions around the world, demanding the release of their king, who they claimed was detained in Namibia. These protests threatened the safety of Namibian diplomatic personnel and hampered the operations of their missions abroad.
“Such actions not only jeopardize the security of our diplomatic staff but also violate international law,” the ministry's statement emphasized.
The situation intensified when Buganda clan heads (Bataka) attempted to visit the ailing Kabaka in Namibia. They were blocked and later questioned by Namibian police, further straining relations. This incident followed a communication from Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, who had informed the Uganda High Commission in South Africa about the Kabaka's medical visit to Namibia and requested that visits be restricted without prior authorization.
The Kabaka entered Namibia on April 14, 2024, for medical treatment on a visa permitting a maximum stay of ninety days. Despite the private nature of his visit, rumors spread among some Ugandans alleging that the Kabaka was kidnapped with Namibian government involvement, sparking protests and demands for his release.
“These malicious allegations were clearly intended to tarnish Namibia’s international reputation and undermine the good bilateral relations between our countries,” stated the Namibian government.
Despite engaging the Ugandan government to curb the disruptive activities of these Ugandan nationals, no effective action was taken. President Museveni, in a letter dated July 11, 2024, condemned the actions of Ugandan nationals harassing Namibian diplomatic missions. He clarified that the Ugandan government was not involved in the Kabaka’s presence in Namibia and urged Ugandans to cease their disruptive behavior.
“By the copies of this letter, I request all Ugandans to stop embarrassing Uganda by opportunistically trying to show support for the Kabaka. Only authorized individuals should visit him,” Museveni’s letter stated.
Considering the security of its diplomatic staff and in line with international and Namibian immigration laws, the Namibian government decided it could not extend the Kabaka’s visa. The Ugandan government and Buganda Kingdom were duly informed of the reasons behind this decision.
