By A group of Buganda Kingdom clan chiefs were briefly detained by Namibian police while attempting to visit Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, who is receiving treatment at the Okonguarri Psychotherapeutic Centre in Namibia’s Kunene region.
The group, led by Omutaka Lwomwa Lwasi of the Ndiga clan, were arrested approximately 4 kilometers from the health facility. They had traveled to Namibia early last week to ascertain the well-being of the Kabaka without obtaining clearance from the Kingdom administration, asserting that such permission was unnecessary.
On Tuesday, the chiefs drove over 300 kilometers north of Namibia to visit the monarch. They stopped briefly at the Okonguarri health facility’s signpost to take photographs before continuing their journey. Shortly afterward, they were stopped by police, who questioned the purpose of their visit. The chiefs were then escorted to Outjo Police Station, where they were detained for over three hours.
During their detention, they were informed that they could not proceed to meet the Kabaka without permission from Charles Peter Mayiga, the Prime Minister of Buganda, and Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa and Namibia, Kintu Nyango. The detained clan chiefs included Eria Buzaabo Lwasi (Ndiga), Kasirye Mbugeramula (Nvuma), Deus Mawesano Kyeyune (Ngaali), Sheba Kakande Kibirige (Ngeye), and Godfrey Katende of the Olugave clan.
Before their release, the chiefs were instructed to contact the Ugandan embassy in Pretoria.
Meanwhile, in Kampala, Katikkiro Mayiga condemned the actions of the chiefs, cautioning the people of Uganda to “watch out for those who pretend to love the Kabaka more than his own family.” He emphasized that all information regarding the Kabaka’s health must come directly from him or the royal family.
