Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Government will not be extending the visa of His Royal Highness Ronald Mutebi II, King of the Buganda Kingdom, following allegations from some of his subjects accusing Namibia of illegally detaining the King.
This announcement was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security’s Executive Director, Etienne Maritz. He explained that His Royal Highness Mutebi II was granted a maximum stay of 90 days in Namibia after entering the country on 14 April 2024 for a private medical visit and was stationed at an undisclosed location.
“Whilst the visit of His Royal Highness Mutebi II was purely private, it generated much controversy with some of his subjects, who seem not to have been briefed about His Royal Highness’s travels. Subsequently, those subjects began making allegations that His Royal Highness was being illegally detained in Namibia, that the Namibian Government conspired with the Ugandan authorities in abducting Him, and thus demanded His unconditional release from detention in Namibia,” Maritz said.
He revealed that these allegations led to demonstrations at Namibian diplomatic missions worldwide, with protestors demanding the release of their King and threatening the security of Namibian diplomatic officials. Maritz emphasised that such threats violate international law.
Maritz also revealed that these actions not only jeopardised the safety of Namibia’s personnel but also disrupted the operations of its diplomatic missions. He stressed that the allegations were aimed at damaging Namibia’s international reputation and undermining the positive bilateral relations between Namibia and Uganda.
“The Government of the Republic of Namibia explained that the visit of His Royal Highness was purely private and did not intend to interfere with his medical visit. Furthermore, since these unscrupulous elements started disrupting the operations at our Diplomatic Missions, Namibia engaged the Ugandan authorities as well as the Royal family, expecting them to call these elements to order. Nevertheless, their disruptive activities continued unabated,” Maritz explained.
He added that, given the importance of maintaining good bilateral relations, the security of diplomatic staff, and adherence to Namibia’s laws and international law, the decision was made not to extend the King’s visa.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, through the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, has been in contact with His Royal Highness Mutebi II’s Palace, his medical team in Namibia, and the Ugandan authorities. They have been thoroughly briefed on the non-extension of the visa and the reasons for it. Namibia is a sovereign state and has the right to implement the laws of the Republic of Namibia and international law,” Maritz added.
