As reported by the BBC, the Ugandan king, King Mutebi II of Buganda has been denied a visa extension in Namibia where he has been treating an undisclosed illness since April.
The hospital in charge of his treatment requested a visa extension at the start of the month but was denied. According to Namibia’s Ministry of International Affairs, foreigners are only allowed a maximum of 90 days annually under the country’s immigration laws.
“Having checked the records, I wish to inform you that the request for an extension is declined,” NBC, the public network, citing a ministry official, stated.
Additionally, the Ugandan envoy in South Africa hinted at the Namibian government’s unwillingness to deal with the protests against their diplomats over the king’s visit.
Protesters from Uganda organized protests at the Namibian High Commission in the UK in May, seeking for transparency on the king’s prolonged visit.
These protesters demanded that Namibia provide details on the king’s location to dispel concerns that he had been abducted. They were subsequently sent to Buganda traditional authority.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda reprimanded the Buganda clan leaders for their trip to Namibia a couple of weeks ago in a bid to obtain out the truth regarding the king’s health. This move raised diplomatic concerns.
“I request all the Ugandans to stop embarrassing Uganda by opportunistically trying to show how much they are for the Kabaka [king],” the Ugandan president said.
The delegation was briefly detained and probed by Namibian officials, who purportedly asked if they had authorization to see the monarch. It was alleged that the delegation proceeded without the knowledge of the Buganda monarchy or the Ugandan authorities.
They left for Namibia despite the fact that the Buganda king released a pre-recorded speech to his subjects, in which he discussed his improving health.
