Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s serene medical retreat in Namibia has turned into turned into a diplomatic kerfuffle. The King of Buganda, who arrived in April on a 90day visa for medical reasons, found himself at the center of abduction rumors, sparking protests and forcing Namibian officials to decline his visa extension.
Key Events in Kabaka’s Namibian Visa Drama
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2024 | Kabaka arrives in Namibia on a 90-day visa for medical treatment. |
| May 2024 | Protests erupt at Namibian embassies abroad, fueled by abduction rumors. |
| July 9, 2024 | Kabaka’s medical team requests a visa extension. |
| July 17, 2024 | Namibia officially declines the visa extension request. |
The esteemed Kabaka arrived in Namibia in April, armed with a 90-day visa and a pressing need for medical attention. Initially, the plan seemed simple: relax, recuperate, and perhaps enjoy the Namibian sun. However, the tranquility was short-lived. Suddenly, the whispers in the Matooke markets of Kampala quickly turned into a chorus of conspiracy theories. Some of his ‘loyal’ subjects, perhaps inspired by too many late-night action movies, believed that the Namibian and Ugandan governments were plotting to abduct their beloved monarch.
Tables were turned, embassies were stormed, and protests were organized quicker than you can say “Luwombo!” Namibian diplomatic staff found themselves at the mercy of angry Ugandans waving placards and demanding the immediate release of their King.
Namibian Officials Caught Off Guard
Namibian officials, likely bewildered by the sudden storm of protests, issued a statement expressing their concerns. They noted that these “unscrupulous subjects” endangered the safety of Namibian personnel and disrupted the operations of their diplomatic missions. The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, clearly not in the mood for any drama, firmly declined the Kabaka’s visa extension.
“We love visitors, but we don’t love the drama,” seemed to be the underlying message from Namibia. Despite efforts to engage with the Buganda royal family and the Ugandan government, the protests continued unabated, leading to the inevitable decision to bid adieu to the Kabaka when his visa expired.
Diplomatic Conversations Hit a Wall
Despite efforts to mediate, the Namibian government found itself between a rock and a hard place. Conversations with the Buganda royal family and Ugandan authorities proved futile as the protests continued unabated. This forced the Windhoek government to make the tough call to decline the Kabaka’s visa extension.
Namibian Government Officials Involved
| Official | Position |
|---|---|
| Penda Naanda | Executive Director, Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation |
| Etienne Maritzi | Executive Director, Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security |
| Dr. Albert Kawana | Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security |
| Peya Mushelenga | Minister of International Relations and Cooperation |
The Namibian government’s letter, penned by the unflinching Penda Naanda, Executive Director of Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, was a masterclass in diplomatic firmness. Naanda emphasized that the denial of the visa extension was not a slight against His Royal Highness but rather a procedural necessity. In other words, rules are rules, whether you’re a king or a commoner.
| Event | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kabaka’s Arrival in Namibia | April 2024 | Granted 90-day visa |
| Protests Begin | May 2024 | Protests at Namibian embassies |
| Visa Extension Request | July 9, 2024 | Request for extension submitted |
| Visa Extension Denied | July 17, 2024 | Extension request declined |
Kabaka’s Whereabouts: The Mystery Continues
As for the King, aged 69 and battling an undisclosed ailment, it remains unclear if he has already left Namibia or if he is still there, perhaps enjoying one last taste of Namibian hospitality before boarding a flight back home. Sources close to the royal family, speaking under the cloak of anonymity as thick as the forest cover in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, hinted that he might return to Uganda over the weekend but no official confirmation has been given.
Why Namibia, you might ask? Well, palace sources in Mengo revealed that the Kabaka’s medical team in Germany suggested he take a break and get some rest. Namibia, with its tranquil environment and specialist medical care, seemed like the perfect spot. Alas, even kings can’t escape the long arm of immigration laws.
In a move that would make any Ugandan mother proud, Naanda’s letter maintained that the decision was purely procedural. “The rules are the rules,” it read, “whether you’re buying Rolex at Owino Market or seeking medical care in Namibia.”
The denial of the visa extension did little to quell the fervor among Ugandan nationals. Over the past two months, they staged protests across various countries, demanding the Kabaka’s safe return. One notable demonstration in May took place in front of the Namibian Diplomatic Mission in the UK, where protesters demanded transparency regarding the Kabaka’s situation.
The Namibian government, maintaining its stance, referred the protesters back to the Buganda Kingdom, reiterating that the Kabaka’s visit was strictly private.
