By Frank Kamuntu
The King of Buganda, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has returned home after spending some time in Namibia for rest and medical consultation.
His return was warmly welcomed by prominent figures, including Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, Princess Royal Agnes Nabaloga, Prince Crispin Jjunju Kiweewa, and Princess Victoria Nkinzi.
The king, who had been away for approximately three months, arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight number 338. He had traveled privately to Namibia on April 12 for medical treatment at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre in the Kunene Region.
The Namibian government, however, declined to extend his visa due to controversies stirred by some of his subjects.
These subjects were apparently uninformed about the king’s travel plans and alleged that he was being illegally detained in Namibia, leading to protests at Namibia’s diplomatic missions worldwide. This unrest threatened the safety of Namibian diplomatic staff and disrupted operations, according to Etienne Maritz, Executive Director of Immigration, Safety and Security.
Maritz explained that these baseless allegations were intended to tarnish Namibia’s reputation and undermine the good bilateral relations between Namibia and Uganda. Despite efforts to engage with Ugandan authorities and the Royal family to curb the disruptions, the activities continued, necessitating the visa non-extension.
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 decision.
Maritz emphasized that as a sovereign state, Namibia has the right to enforce its laws and uphold international law.
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.
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