Jinja — In a powerful demonstration of Pan-African unity and cultural diplomacy, three kings from Namibia, led by King Goab Immanuel /Gaseb—the King of Oe-Gan Traditional Authority and Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Namibia—paid a courtesy visit to the Kingdom of Busoga at the Igenge Royal Palace in Jinja.
The high-level delegation, which included King Sem Kambazembi of the Kambazembi Traditional Authority and King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, was received by Busoga’s Second Deputy Prime Minister Owek Osman Ahmed Noor, representing His Majesty Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV, who was unable to attend in person.
During the visit, the Namibian monarchs emphasised the importance of unity among traditional African leaders and the role cultural institutions can play in development, peace, and identity preservation across the continent.
“We are here to learn and share,” said King Gaseb. “Our goal is to benchmark how Busoga sustains its kingdom, manages relations with government, and empowers its people culturally and economically.”
Owek Osman echoed the sentiment, reaffirming Kyabazinga’s belief in culture as a driver of sustainable development. “What affects a child in Busoga affects a child in Namibia,” he said, citing shared African challenges like youth unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity. He also highlighted the Kyabazinga’s outreach to other monarchies like Eswatini and the emphasis placed by the kingdom on education, agriculture, and preserving African values.
The Namibian delegation shared how traditional authorities in their country benefit from natural resources and called for similar recognition of cultural institutions in Uganda as custodians of indigenous heritage and resources.
The guests were briefed by senior Busoga officials, including Owek Mafumo Richard, Owek Yudaya Babirye, and Owek Nasabu Nantale on the kingdom’s structure, educational programs, and social development initiatives.
They learned about scholarships, bursaries, skilling programmes, and the creative ways in which Busoga complements government efforts to raise household incomes through sports and community mobilisation.
Also present at the meeting were Prince Nkuutu Samuel, the Isabalangira of Busoga; Prince Ndawula Joseph, Honorary Consul of Uganda to Namibia and brother to the Kabaka of Buganda; Naava Kaana Agnes Zawedde, Liaison Officer for the Buganda Royal Family; Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mbandeka David, Senior Traditional Councillor; Louise Shixwameni, Deputy Executive Director in Namibia’s Ministry of Finance; and Prince Albert Bamm of Ondonga.
The delegation concluded their visit with a guided tour of the Source of the Nile, following a royal breakfast, and expressed hope for deepened cooperation and mutual development between the traditional leaderships of Namibia and Uganda.