The Namibian Government Denies Visa Extension to Ugandan King

The Namibian government has declined a request to extend the visa of King Ronald Mutebi II of the Buganda tribe, who has been in the country for medical treatment since April. The King’s visa was set to expire after the maximum 90-day stay allowed for non-Namibians, as per the country’s immigration regulations.

The King had been receiving treatment at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre, and his host, Dr. Daleen de Lange, Executive Director at the Centre, had requested an extension of his visa on his behalf. However, Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, denied the request in a letter dated July 9.

The development comes amid growing tensions between the Namibian government and the Buganda kingdom. Over the past two months, Ugandans, particularly subjects of King Mutebi, have been protesting and demanding his return to Uganda. The protesters have been seeking assurances about the King’s safety and health, with some even alleging that he was being held against his will.

The Namibian government has maintained that the King’s visit was private and not officially sanctioned. In May, a group of Ugandan nationals protested in front of the Namibian Diplomatic Mission in the UK, demanding that the Namibian government disclose information about the King’s whereabouts.

In a recent communication, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda distanced himself from the Buganda clan leaders who had traveled to Namibia to visit King Mutebi, further fueling speculation about the King’s situation.

Despite the tensions, King Mutebi II has assured his subjects that his health is improving, and he hopes to return home soon. In a video statement released by Buganda’s Prime Minister Peter Mayiga, the King thanked his subjects for their support and prayers, saying, “My health is getting better, and I hope to return home in the not-too-distant future.”

The denial of the visa extension has raised questions about the next steps for King Mutebi II, with many wondering whether he will be forced to return to Uganda or seek alternative arrangements. The situation remains a sensitive diplomatic issue between Namibia and Uganda, with both countries closely watching developments.”