The Namibian government has announced the non-extension of the visa for His Royal Highness Ronald Mutebi II, King of the Buganda Kingdom, who entered the country on April 14, 2024, for a private medical visit. The decision has sparked controversy and unrest among some of the King’s subjects in Uganda.
According to a media release from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, King Mutebi II was initially granted a 90-day stay, as per Section 29 of the Immigration Control Act of 1993. However, the King’s visit, which was meant to be private, inadvertently led to significant public concern and allegations from his subjects, who were reportedly unaware of his travels.
These subjects accused the Namibian government of illegally detaining King Mutebi II and conspiring with Ugandan authorities to abduct him. In response, they organized demonstrations at Namibian diplomatic missions worldwide, demanding his release. The Ministry emphasized that these allegations were unfounded and aimed at tarnishing Namibia’s international reputation and disrupting the bilateral relations between Namibia and Uganda.
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“The visit of His Royal Highness Mutebi II was purely private and had no intention to interfere with his medical care,” the Ministry stated. Despite efforts to address the disruptive activities with the Ugandan authorities and the Royal family, the protests continued unabated.
Namibia cited security concerns for its diplomatic staff and adherence to both national and international laws as reasons for the decision not to extend the King’s visa. The Ministry assured that both King Mutebi II and the Ugandan authorities were thoroughly briefed on the non-extension and the rationale behind it.
“Namibia is a sovereign state with the right to implement its laws,” the statement concluded, reinforcing the country’s commitment to maintaining order and respecting international regulations.
