The Namibian government has refused to extend the visa for King Mutebi II of Buganda, who has been receiving medical treatment in the country since April.
The kingdom had requested an extension earlier this month, citing the king’s ongoing medical needs.
However, Namibian authorities cited their immigration law, which states that foreign citizens can only stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days per year.
This decision comes weeks after reports emerged of protests by Ugandan activists at Namibian diplomatic missions, demanding transparency over the king’s extended stay.
The protesters had accused Namibian authorities of harboring the king without his family’s knowledge and consent.
The situation had also sparked diplomatic concerns and a rebuke from Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.
The Buganda traditional chiefs had traveled to Namibia two weeks ago to seek information about the king’s health, but were briefly detained and questioned by Namibian officials.
The delegation had gone without the knowledge or consent of either the Buganda kingdom or the Ugandan authorities.
The Namibian government has maintained that it is following standard procedure in refusing to extend the king’s visa.
“It is normal practice for a foreign national who has stayed for 90 days to return to their country,” said foreign relations officer Erastus Hailwa.
Uganda has accepted the decision, saying it will respect Namibia’s 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,” said Foreign Minister Henry Oryem Okello. “We have to respect their rules and ways of life.”
The Buganda kingdom is one of Uganda’s four ancient kingdoms, none of which have any political power but remain influential.
