Buganda Royal Family apologises to Namibia

King Mutebi II was denied a visa extension by Namibia and returned to Uganda
The Buganda Kingdom Royal Family issued an apology to the Republic of Namibia for the actions of some clan chiefs
The family thanked Namibia for hosting the King for three months and expressed gratitude for their hospitality

Last night, Sunday, July 21, Kabaka Mutebi arrived back in Uganda from Namibia where he was receiving treatment at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre in the Kunene Region.

He was welcomed at the airport by his wife, Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, and Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga. Also present were Princess Royal Agnes Nabaloga, Prince Crispin Jjunju Kiweewa, and Princess Victoria Nkinzi.

Shortly afterwards, the Royal Family issued a statement explaining the circumstances of the monarch’s return.

Prince Crispin Jjunju who read the statement, said the family was “grateful to the government and the people of Namibia who hosted the King for three months.”

“We thank you for the hospitality and the protection you gave him,” he added.

Kingdom regrets chiefs' actions

The family, however, apologised for the actions of a group of Buganda clan chiefs who spread conspiracies about the King’s health and even travelled to Namibia to confirm whether or not he was not being held hostage.

Read: Museveni condemns Buganda chiefs for 'embarrassing' Uganda in Namibia

This incident inflamed the Namibian government, prompting them to issue a statement last week, describing the chiefs as “unscrupulous subjects of the Buganda Kingdom” and accusing them of “threatening the security of Namibian diplomatic officials.”

Prince Jujju also lambasted the chiefs, terming them as “selfish”

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“Namibia is a good country; it is relaxing and full of blessings, that is why the King made it his choice for his recuperation. It is sad that a handful of unscrupulous people spread rumours and acted in a way that diminished and brought disrepute to the nation of Namibia,” he said.

“These people went against our tradition of humanity and kindness. We as the Royal family extend an apology to the people of Namibia for their deliberate violence and disorder.”

Kabaka's current health

Meanwhile, Prince Jjunju gave an update about the health of his father, revealing that he still needed medical attention.

“The king is back in the country but is still in the hands of doctors and still needs treatment and rest until he fully recovers,” Jjunju stated.

“We as the family shall continue to help him. We ask the people of Buganda to be patient and courteous with the king and to allow him his personal space at this time.”

King Mutebi has been battling an undisclosed illness over the past few years.

During his travel abroad, the King was handled by doctors in Switzerland and Germany, who later in April advised him to take a break from work and recuperate at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre in Namibia