There is growing concern about the prolonged absence of the son of the late Sir Edward Muteesa II, the former King of Buganda. He was last seen in public on July 31st, 2023, during the coronation events. His continued disappearance has raised worries among his subjects and followers, who are seeking information about his whereabouts and well-being.
Following the prolonged absence of the son of the late Sir Edward Muteesa II, there have been reports of unusual appearances by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, the King of Buganda, without the knowledge or accompaniment of his security details or his Prime Minister (Katikkiro). Additionally, the Kabaka has declined to attend official Buganda events, where his presence was expected by his subjects. Instead, the Katikkiro has invited other representatives to attend on behalf of the Kabaka, further fueling concerns and questions about the King’s whereabouts and well-being among his subjects.
The Buganda Kingdom initially declined to address public inquiries about the King’s whereabouts, but as concerns grew, the kingdom’s administration (Mengo) released uncoordinated statements. The Katikkiro (Prime Minister) attempted to alleviate concerns by issuing statements about the King’s health status, which were later found to be inaccurate. The kingdom’s handling of the situation has sparked further confusion and skepticism among the public.
The Royal Family of Buganda has broken its silence on the well-being and whereabouts of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, with Ssabalangira Musanja Kikulwe Godfrey, the head of the Royal Family, issuing an ultimatum demanding clarity on the Kabaka’s condition.
In a two-page letter dated June 5th, 2024, the Ssabalangira has given the speaker of the clan council, Omutaka Salongo Namwama Augustine Mutumba Kizito, four working days to provide a comprehensive update on the Kabaka’s health and location.
This move comes amid rumors and unofficial statements suggesting that the Kabaka is critically ill and receiving treatment in Namibia, which has been confirmed by the Namibian Ambassador in Germany.
The Kabaka is reportedly receiving care and treatment at the Okonguarri Psychotherapeutic Centre, a leading facility for mental health treatment. The Baganda people are demanding transparency regarding their monarch’s state, intensifying concerns about his well-being.
Ssabalangira Musanje’s Letter
The Chief Prince (Ssabalangira) has issued an ultimatum to the Speaker of the Baganda Clans Council, Omuttaka Namwama Augustine Kizito Mutumba, demanding a comprehensive report on the health status and whereabouts of his son, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, within a period of four days. This move suggests a heightened level of concern and a desire for transparency regarding the King’s well-being and location.
In a formal letter dated June 5th, 2024, and received by the Bataka Clans’ Council on June 10th, 2024, Chief Prince Musanje Kikulwe Godfrey requested that the speaker of the Clans’ council provide him with detailed information about the health status and whereabouts of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi.
The letter from Ssabalangira Musanja Kikulwe Godfrey, head of the Royal Family, was formally received by the clan council speaker, Omutaka Salongo Namwama Augustine Mutumba Kizito, on Monday, June 10th, 2024. The letter, which was also sent to high-ranking government officials, including the President’s Private Secretary and the Director General of the Internal Security Organization, demands a detailed report on the Kabaka’s health and whereabouts by Friday, June 14th.
Failure to comply will result in impeachment proceedings against the speaker. The Ssabalangira’s ultimatum has raised the stakes, intensifying the pressure to disclose the truth about the Kabaka’s condition and location, amid rumors and speculation that have been swirling for months.
The Chief Prince emphasized that as the custodians of the throne, the Clan leaders have a responsibility to share this information with him, enabling him to inform and explain the situation to the Royal family, with whom the Kabaka shares a blood relation. The letter spans three pages and highlights the importance of transparency in this matter.
The Chief Prince expressed his concern over the uncertainty surrounding the health status of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, which has led to widespread speculation and anxiety among the royal family, subjects, and the general public.
He noted that unconfirmed reports suggest the Kabaka was flown abroad for treatment, sparking concerns about his well-being and creating a vacuum of information that has fueled propaganda and security concerns in the kingdom and beyond. The Chief Prince emphasized the need for clarity and transparency in this matter to address the growing unease
In a letter addressed to the speaker of the Bataka Clans’ Council, with copies sent to the 52 Buganda clan heads, State House, and the Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Chief Prince Musanje Kikulwe expressed his disappointment and concern about the handling of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s health issues.
He noted that during the Kabaka’s public appearance in 2019, his health had visibly deteriorated, yet his treatment and whereabouts were kept private, without informing him or the royal family. The Chief Prince further stated that he learned about the Kabaka’s frequent medical trips abroad through secondary sources, rather than through official channels, which has prevented them from finding a solution to support his son’s health.
