Kabaka Returns to Uganda After Failed Visa Extension in Namibia

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II returned to Uganda on the morning of Monday, July 22, after failing to secure a visa extension in Namibia.

The Kabaka of Buganda was warmly welcomed by his wife, Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, and Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga. Also present were Princess Royal Agnes Nabaloga, Prince Crispin Jjunju Kiweewa, and Princess Victoria Nkinzi.

After being away for about three months, the king arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight 338. He had travelled to Namibia privately for medical treatment on April 12 and had been receiving care at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre in the Kunene Region.

The Namibian government, however, declined to extend his visa due to controversies sparked by his subjects, who seemed unaware of his travel plans.

"Some subjects alleged that His Royal Highness was being illegally detained in Namibia, claiming a conspiracy between Namibian and Ugandan authorities to abduct him, and demanded his unconditional release," said Etienne Maritz, Executive Director of Immigration, Safety and Security.

"These subjects organised demonstrations at Namibia’s diplomatic missions worldwide, threatening the security of our diplomatic staff, which violates international law. This jeopardised the safety of our personnel and disrupted the operations of our diplomatic missions," Maritz added.

Maritz noted that such baseless allegations were intended to tarnish Namibia's reputation and undermine the good bilateral relations between Namibia and Uganda.

"The Namibian government clarified that His Royal Highness's visit was purely private and had no intention of interfering with his medical treatment," Maritz said.

"Despite engaging with the Ugandan authorities and the Royal family to curb these disruptions, the activities continued. Consequently, based on our bilateral relations, security considerations, and in accordance with our immigration regulations and international law, Namibia could not extend His Royal Highness Ronald Mutebi II’s visa," Maritz explained.

Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, in coordination with the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, communicated with the Kabaka’s Palace, his medical team, and the Ugandan authorities regarding the visa non-extension.

"Namibia, as a sovereign state, has the right to enforce its laws and international law," Maritz concluded.

Dr. Daleen de Lange, Executive Director at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre, had requested the visa extension on July 9, citing the ongoing medical treatment of Kabaka Mutebi II.