Namibia Criticizes Buganda Clan Chiefs’ Visit; Museveni Condemns Their Actions
Namibia has recently voiced its discontent over harassment from some Ugandan nationals, who accused the Southern African country of “kidnapping the Kabaka.” Uganda claims that the behavior of the visiting Buganda clan chiefs has jeopardized diplomatic relations with Namibia. The clan chiefs reportedly returned to Uganda on Friday night.
President Museveni has condemned the Buganda clan chiefs who traveled independently to Namibia to visit Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. He accused them of embarrassing Uganda.
The group, led by Kyaddondo Kasirye Mbugeeramula (Nvuma), arrived in Windhoek on July 1 for a planned 5-day visit to see the Kabaka, who is recovering. However, Namibian security officials blocked their entry, requiring authorization to meet the monarch.
“These issues are outside our jurisdiction; otherwise, we would have taken action,” Museveni remarked regarding the five clan leaders who were briefly detained and questioned by Namibian police on July 2 for attempting to breach the king’s medical privacy.
In a letter dated July 11 to Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo, Museveni urged Ugandans to cease actions that embarrass the country and opportunistically demonstrate their support for the Kabaka.
The visiting clan leaders included Mawesano Deus Kyeyune (Ngaali), Sheba Kakande (Ngeye), Elias Lwasi Buuzaabo (Ndiga), Godfrey Natiigo (Lugave Premier), and Walusimbi Mbirozankya (Ngeye). Buganda Prime Minister (Katikkiro) Peter Mayiga criticized those he described as “self-seekers politicizing the king’s illness,” emphasizing that the Kabaka’s health is improving.
According to Ugandan authorities, Mengo informed them of the king’s presence in Namibia on May 30. The Ugandan High Commission in Pretoria stated that Kabaka Mutebi is receiving treatment in Okunguarri, Kunene Province, about 700 km from Windhoek.
Last month, Namibia expressed frustration over the harassment of its diplomatic agents by Ugandan nationals concerning the Kabaka’s stay. Ugandan High Commissioner in Pretoria, Paul Amoru, reported that Namibia was only informed about the Kabaka’s presence through media and diplomatic channels on May 31.
In a pre-recorded video released on July 1, the Kabaka stated that he hoped to return home soon.
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