The National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Kyadondo East, Muwada Nkunyingi, who is also the Foreign Affairs Shadow Minister, has criticized a statement made by Henry Okello Oryem, the Foreign Affairs State Minister, about Namibia’s denial to extend Kabaka’s stay, describing it as malice.
According to the legislator, although the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Ugandan embassies have the prime duty to support Ugandans, including traditional leaders, wherever they are diplomatically, they ought to do so with respect after fact-checking.
“Henry Okello Oryem’s statements on Kabaka’s travel are malicious. He was unprofessional and uninformed in his public rhetoric on His Majesty the Kabaka’s stay in Namibia as it was broadcast in the media yesterday,” Nkunyingi said.
Nkunyingi further revealed that the available information indicates that the Kabaka has never sought an extension of stay in Namibia, adding that the Buganda Kingdom leadership has a program for the Kabaka’s travel back.
“I am aware that Buganda Kingdom has a clear travel arrangement for His Majesty the Kabaka, which is different from the hurried diversionary statements of Henry Okello Oryem,” he said.
According to Nkunyingi, the details of Kabaka’s travel will soon be provided by the concerned Buganda Kingdom officials.
“I have consulted and can confirm as a shadow minister that His Majesty has a clear travel arrangement coordinated by the Buganda Kingdom, details of which shall be released by the officials,” he added.
Nkunyingi noted that it is not Oryem’s prerogative to speculate on Kabaka’s affairs because his rhetoric only served to portray Kabaka negatively, stating that the minister must withdraw and apologize for his rushed, unverified public rhetoric.
Oryem’s condemnation comes after he urged Ugandans to respect Namibia’s position on Kabaka’s stay in the country.
“What Ugandans should understand is that every country is a sovereign state, and we have to respect their rules and ways of life. Since Kabaka went to Namibia, many people have turned the country into a market where they enter as they wish,” Oryem said.
While appearing in a pre-recorded video released by Buganda Kingdom on July 1, 2024, Kabaka Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II said that he would soon return to his kingdom.
