Uganda says it respects Namibia's decision not to extend visa for Buganda monarch Mutebi II

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) – The Ugandan government has said it respects Namibia's decision not to extend visa for Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the monarch of Buganda, the largest of the medieval kingdoms in present-day Uganda.

The Namibian government declined to extend a 90-day visa to the 69-year-old monarch, who has been in the country since April for treatment of an undisclosed health condition.

"We have to respect their rules and ways of life. Namibia has decided that they are not interested in this kind of bad publicity, and we should respect (their) position," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem told media in the capital Kamala on Thursday.

Since April, King Mutebi II of Buganda has been receiving treatment at the Okonguarri Psychotherapeutic Centre in Namibia.

The Namibian government declined the monarch's request for a visa extension, citing immigration regulations.

“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,” said Penda Naanda, executive director of Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, in a statement on Thursday.