JEEMA condemns exploitation of Kabaka's health condition

Justice Forum (JEEMA) has expressed delight at the successful return of Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II from a long medical treatment in Namibia, while condemning those who sought to exploit the King's health conditions for personal gain.

In a statement, JEEMA spokesperson Dr. Swaib Kaggwa Nsereko extended a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude for the King's safe return, warning those who seek to use the Kabaka's health conditions for personal gain.

"This behavior is unacceptable and must cease immediately," he said.

Dr. Nsereko wished the Kabaka continued good health, peace, and prosperity.

"Long live the King." He further stated, "We celebrate the King's remarkable resilience and strength, which have inspired the Buganda Kingdom and Uganda. His successful treatment is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Kingdom and the country. We are honored to have him back on our soil and look forward to his continued leadership and guidance,” he said.

The Kabaka returned to Uganda after Namibia rejected his request to extend his stay for medical treatment, citing continued negative publicity.

He was received at the airport by a select group of Buganda officials led by Charles Peter Mayiga.

"The King has returned home from Namibia, where he spent time on vacation and consultations with medical specialists," read an official statement from the kingdom.

The Kabaka arrived in Uganda shortly before 11 PM aboard Ethiopian Airways, with exclusive coverage of his arrival provided by Buganda’s official broadcaster, BBS Television.

Last week, the Namibian government refused to extend the Kabaka's visa, which he had been using for medical treatment since April.

The Kabaka has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed condition. Although the facility where he was staying requested a visa extension earlier this month, the Namibian Ministry of International Relations cited immigration laws allowing a maximum stay of only 90 days per year for foreign citizens.

This decision comes weeks after Namibian authorities expressed displeasure over protests by Buganda clan leaders at Namibian diplomatic missions.

These protests included demonstrations at the Namibian High Commission in the UK, where Ugandan demonstrators demanded transparency regarding the king’s extended stay and sought assurances that he had not been kidnapped. The Namibian government then referred the matter to Buganda traditional authorities.

Two weeks ago, Buganda traditional chiefs traveled to Namibia to seek the truth about the king’s health, sparking diplomatic concerns and a rebuke from Uganda’s President Museveni.

“I request all Ugandans to stop embarrassing Uganda by opportunistically trying to show how much they support the Kabaka,” Museveni said.

The delegation, which reportedly traveled without the knowledge of the Buganda kingdom or Ugandan authorities, was briefly detained and questioned by Namibian officials.

Despite the Kabaka addressing his subjects through a pre-recorded video about his improving health and hope to return soon, the Namibian government remained firm.

A state official stated that it is normal practice for a foreign national who has stayed for 90 days to return to their country. “There is nothing controversial about that,” said foreign relations officer Erastus Hailwa.

The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security also explained that the denial of the visa extension was due to allegations made by Kabaka’s subjects that their king was being illegally detained.

Etienne Maritz, the executive director of Immigration in the Namibian Home Affairs Ministry, clarified that these actions had damaged Namibia's international image.