Ugandan king denied extension of Namibia visa

Uganda’s King Mutebi II of Buganda has been denied a visa extension in Namibia, where he has been treating an undisclosed illness since April, the BBC reported.

The hospital treating him applied for a visa extension earlier this month, but was refused. According to Namibia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreigners can only stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days a year under immigration laws.

“After checking the records, I wish to inform you that the extension request has been denied.” Public broadcaster NBC, citing a ministry official, said:

Uganda’s envoy to South Africa also hinted at the Namibian government’s unwillingness to address protests against its diplomats over the king’s visit.

Ugandan protesters staged protests at the Namibian High Commission in the UK in May, calling for transparency over the king’s lengthy visit.

The protesters demanded that Namibia provide details of the king’s whereabouts to dispel doubts about his abduction. They were later referred to traditional authorities in Buganda.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has reprimanded Buganda clan leaders for their trip to Namibia a couple of weeks ago in an attempt to obtain information about the king’s health. The move has raised diplomatic concerns.

“I call on all Ugandans to stop embarrassing Uganda by opportunistically trying to demonstrate how much they support the Kabaka (king),” said the Ugandan president.

The delegation was briefly detained and questioned by Namibian officials, who reportedly asked them if they had permission to see the monarch. It was alleged that the delegation proceeded without the knowledge of the Buganda monarchy or the Ugandan authorities.

They set off for Namibia despite the fact that the King of Buganda had released a pre-recorded speech to his subjects, in which he spoke of his improving health.