KAMPALA – King Mutebi II of Buganda, who has been receiving medical treatment in
Namibia since April, has been denied a visa extension, according to a report by the BBC.
The king, who has been battling an undisclosed illness, faced this setback as the hospital
overseeing his treatment sought to prolong his stay beyond the initial allowance.
Namibia’s Ministry of International Affairs cited immigration laws restricting foreign visitors
to a maximum of 90 days per year.
“Having checked the records, I wish to inform you that the request for an extension is
declined,” a ministry official stated, as reported by NBC, Namibia’s public network.
Further complicating matters, the Ugandan envoy in South Africa suggested that the
Namibian government was reluctant to address protests from Ugandan nationals
concerning the king’s visit.
In May, demonstrators gathered at the Namibian High Commission in London, demanding
transparency about the king’s extended stay.
Protesters, fearing for the king’s safety, called for Namibia to disclose his whereabouts,
fearing abduction. The protestors’ concerns were directed to the Buganda traditional
authority for resolution.
The situation has also strained diplomatic relations between Uganda and Namibia.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda recently criticized Buganda clan leaders for their
unauthorized trip to Namibia, aiming to ascertain the king’s health status.
“I request all the Ugandans to stop embarrassing Uganda by opportunistically trying to
show how much they are for the Kabaka [king],” President Museveni remarked.
The delegation, upon arrival in Namibia, faced brief detention and questioning by Namibian
officials, who inquired if they had the necessary authorization to visit King Mutebi II.
It emerged that their visit was undertaken without the knowledge of either the Buganda
monarchy or Ugandan author.
Email us at: info@alleastafrica.com
