President Museveni has taken aim at some overzealous Buganda clan leaders who decided to turn Namibia into their personal stage for a royal drama.
Five esteemed clan leaders, presumably donning their finest kanzus, were preventively arrested by Namibian police while trying to breach the Kabaka’s medical privacy. It’s like an episode of “Kyeyo Hunters,” but with a royal twist.
“These dramas are happening away from our jurisdiction. Otherwise, we would have taken action,” Museveni declared, undoubtedly shaking his head in exasperation. The president’s remarks came in response to the fiasco caused by the clan leaders’ impromptu trip to Namibia to visit Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The Namibian Adventure
| Clan Leader | Clan |
|---|---|
| Mawesano Deus Kyeyune | Ngaali |
| Sheba Kakande | Ngeye |
| Elias Lwasi Buuzaabo | Ndiga |
| Godfrey Natiigo | Lugave |
| Walusimbi Mbirozankya | Ngeye |
In a letter addressed to Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo, Museveni requested Ugandans to refrain from embarrassing the nation by opportunistically trying to demonstrate their love for the Kabaka. “It’s like everyone wants to be seen as the Kabaka’s best friend. Next thing you know, someone will claim they’re his long-lost twin!” he might as well have added.
This motley crew of clan leaders, including the likes of Mawesano Deus Kyeyune and Sheba Kakande, decided to visit the Kabaka in Namibia on July 2, turning it into a divisive issue back home. Augustine Kizito Mutumba, head of the clan leaders, told media that the trip was agreed upon by their committee on May 30, 2024. It’s as if they thought they were planning a simple visit to the local market, not an international escapade.
Museveni, however, was not amused. He emphasized that only the Kabaka’s family or authorized individuals should visit him. “It’s not a free-for-all,” Museveni might have sighed, “It’s like trying to get into a VIP section without a pass. Not happening.”
Buganda’s Official Response
Buganda Prime Minister (Katikkiro) Peter Mayiga chimed in, blasting those he described as “self-seekers politicizing the king’s sickness”, suggesting that some people pretend to love the Kabaka more than his immediate family. “We get it, you care. But let’s not turn this into a village drama,” Mayiga seemed to hint.
Kabaka’s Health Journey
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2024 | Kabaka’s presence in Namibia notified |
| July 1, 2024 | Kabaka’s video message to his subjects |
| July 22, 2024 | Kabaka returns to Uganda |
Ugandan authorities confirmed that Mengo, through Mayiga, notified them about the Kabaka’s presence in Namibia on May 30. Kabaka Mutebi was receiving medical treatment at a facility in Okunguarri, Kunene Province, about 700km from Windhoek. Talk about going the distance for healthcare!
Last month, Namibia expressed displeasure with the inundation of its missions abroad and the harassment of its diplomatic agents by some Ugandan nationals. It’s almost as if Ugandans were trying to reenact a scene from “The Bold and the Beautiful,” with the Kabaka as the central character.
The Namibian government was blindsided by this saga, learning of the Kabaka’s presence through the media and a diplomatic note on May 31. Namibian officials must have wondered if they were hosting a royal or dealing with a very persistent fan club.
In a pre-recorded video released by Buganda on July 1, the Kabaka spoke out, expressing hope to return home soon.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Kabaka’s health and related news, and remember, no more impromptu trips to Namibia, please!
