Explainer: Kabaka Needed No Visa Extension-Katikkiro Mayiga

Katikkiro (premier) of Buganda Kingdom Charles Peter Mayiga, who clarified that the royal court had always planned for the King’s return on July 21, has put speculation surrounding Kabaka (King’s) return to Uganda to rest.

The Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II arrived on Monday morning at Entebbe International Airport to end months of rumors and uncertainty about his health and the purpose of his stay in Namibia.

Present to welcome the Kabaka at the Airport shortly after midnight was a delegation of Katikkiro and the Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, (the wife of Kabaka.)

Others were royals Nnaalinnya Lubuga Agnes Nabaloga, Prince Jjunju Kiweewa, and Nnaalinnya Victoria Nkinzi.

Addressing the Press Conference on Monday mid-morning a couple of hours after Kabaka’s return, the Katikkiro refuted claims that the King’s return was due to a denial of visa extension in Namibia, stating that the royal court had always planned for the King’s return on July 21. This date coincided with the three-month medical leave advised by his doctors.

The King’s return has sparked widespread interest, with social media rumours fuelling speculation about a visa issue. However, Premier Mayiga, addressed these rumors directly, stating that Namibia offers visa-free entry to Ugandans, further demystifying the extension claims.

The Buganda Kingdom has officially apologized to the Namibian government for the actions of some individuals who disrupted the King’s privacy while he was receiving treatment in the southern African country.

While the King’s return coincides with preparations for his coronation anniversary, Katikkiro Mayiga said that a decision on his attendance would be made in consultation with medical professionals. The coronation program itself is likely to remain intact.