Kabaka Mutebi denied visa extension by Namibia

Namibian government declined visa extension request for Buganda King Ronald Mutebi II based on immigration laws
The King had travelled to Namibia privately for medical treatment in April and was recuperating at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre
The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation declined the request for extension, citing the Immigration Control Act of 1993

The King, who travelled to Namibia privately on medical grounds in April, has been recuperating at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre in the Kunene Region.

The request for an extension was made by Dr. Daleen de Lange, Executive Director at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre.

In a letter dated July 9, Dr. de Lange appealed to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation for an extension of King Mutebi II’s stay, citing ongoing medical treatment.

However, Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry, declined the request.

Naanda stated that under the Immigration Control Act of 1993, non-Namibians are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days.

“Given the above and having checked the records, I wish to inform you that the request for an extension for His Royal Highness Ronald Mutebi II, King of the Buganda Kingdom, is declined,” Naanda wrote.

Amb. Joseph Ndawula greets Kabaka Mutebi pulse uganda

Background and Context

King Mutebi arrived in Namibia in April 2024 for medical treatment, a trip confirmed by both the Namibian government and the Buganda Kingdom.

In May, the Namibian Ambassador in Berlin, HE Martin Andjaba, clarified the King’s situation, addressing growing suspicions of kidnapping. He confirmed that the Kabaka was receiving treatment at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre and was not detained. Ambassador Andjaba reassured that the King’s visit was private and medically oriented.

The hospital, known for its specialized treatment of various psychological and stress-related disorders, was described by its website as offering a “unique and smaller, patient-friendly therapeutic environment.” The King was advised by his doctors to rest and focus on recuperation before resuming his official duties.

Despite these assurances, Ugandans have expressed anxiety and suspicion regarding the King’s health and whereabouts. In May, protests erupted in front of the Namibian Diplomatic Mission in the UK, with demonstrators demanding transparency from the Namibian government. The Namibian authorities directed these concerns to the Buganda traditional authorities.

Rising Tensions and Public Sentiment

The denial of the visa extension comes amid heightened tension and public outcry from the Buganda Kingdom. Over the past two months, there have been numerous demonstrations in Uganda, with supporters of King Mutebi demanding his return. The protesters, many dressed in traditional Kiganda attire, have expressed deep concern over the monarch’s extended stay abroad and the lack of detailed information about his health.

Over the past fortnight, a group of Buganda chiefs travelled to Namibia to “seek the truth” about the king’s health.

Their mission however, failed as they were arrested by Namibian Police and detained. The returned last weekend without seeing the king.

The Kingdom’s Prime Minister (Katikkiro), Charles Peter Mayiga, has repeatedly attempted to calm the situation, accusing those raising concerns of politicizing the King's illness for personal gain. He emphasized that the King’s medical trip was in accordance with professional medical advice and necessary for his health.