Buganda Kingdom’s King (Kabaka) Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II returned to Uganda on the morning of Monday, July 22, after failing to secure a visa extension in Namibia, where he had been receiving treatment at the Okonguari Psychotherapeutic Centre.

The Kabaka was welcomed by his wife, Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, and Buganda Premier (Katikkiro) Charles Peter Mayiga. Also present were Princess Royal Agnes Nabaloga, Prince Crispin Jjunju Kiweewa, and Princess Victoria Nkinzi.

The king, who had been away since April, arrived in the country aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight number 338.

After his arrival, his children, Prince Crispin Jjunju Kiweewa and Princess Victoria Nkinzi, addressed the media.

In their message, which was read by Prince Crispin Jjunju Kiweewa, they thanked God for enabling the Kabaka to recover enough to return to Uganda.

“We know that the people of Buganda, Uganda, and the world have been praying for the King and wishing him a good life. We are very grateful for these prayers, and God has heard and answered them,” said Prince Jjunju.

He added, “We thank the team of doctors and staff who have been treating and caring for the King over the past few months in Germany, Switzerland, and Namibia. We pray that God rewards them, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”

The royal family further thanked the government and people of Namibia, who had hosted the King for the past three months.

“We thank you very much for the hospitality and protection given to him,” Prince Jjunju said.

Regarding speculation about the Kabaka’s health, the royal family said those doing so are violating human tradition.

“We, as the family, apologize to the Government of Namibia for the deliberate violence committed by these few people. We would like to thank the Government of Uganda, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its cooperation with the Government of Namibia during the King’s visit to Namibia,” Prince Jjunju said in a statement.

The family said that although the Kabaka has returned, he is still in the custody of doctors and still needs treatment and rest until he is completely recovered.

“We ask the people of Buganda to be patient and continue to respect the King and his human rights at this time,” said the family.

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Matooke Republic