Recent reports indicate that, the Namibian government has rejected a visa extension request for Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the King of the Buganda tribe in Uganda.
This decision follows a statement from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, distancing himself from Buganda clan leaders (Baraka) who had traveled to Namibia, purportedly to visit King Ronald, who is recuperating there.
King Mutebi II traveled to Namibia in April for medical reasons and has been receiving treatment at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre.
On July 9, Dr. Daleen de Lange, the Executive Director at the Centre, sent a letter to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, requesting a visa extension for the King, which was subsequently denied.
Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, explained that immigration regulations under the Immigration Control Act of 1993 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 letter to the Centre.
Over the past two months, Ugandans, especially the subjects of King Mutebi, have led demonstrations demanding the King’s return to Uganda.
In May, nationals protested outside the Namibian Diplomatic Mission in the UK, demanding information on the King’s whereabouts to dispel suspicions of kidnapping.
At that time, the Namibian government referred the group to Buganda traditional authorities, emphasizing that King Mutebi II was on a private visit.
In a recent video statement released by Buganda’s Prime Minister Peter Mayiga, the ailing King appealed to his subjects to remain “united and faithful” as he recovers from his illness abroad.
“Our strength lies in unity,” said Kabaka. “My health is getting better, and I hope to return home in the not-too-distant future.”
The video aimed to reassure Kabaka’s worried subjects about his health. Kabaka thanked God for protecting him and his subjects, praised them for their prayers and patience during these trying times, and expressed gratitude to Mayiga and Buganda’s top officials for managing the kingdom’s affairs in his absence.
