{UAH} Iryn promoter arrested in Japan over narcotics

Patrick Tumwesigye was acquitted for drug trafficking

newvision

By Josephat Sseguya

Singer Iryn Namubiru's Japan based promoter Patrick Tumwesigye has been arrested in Japan in connection with drugs that got her jailed last year.

According to sources, Tumwesigye was arrested at Narita airport two weeks ago when he flew to Japan to see his family.

Tumwesigye's arrest comes months following his acquittal at Makindye magistrate's court where he was charged with illicit drug trade.

However in August 2013 he was set free for lack of evidence to pin him.

Iryn made international headlines last year in August when she was arrested with drugs that were concealed in portraits of President Museveni and the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Mutebi.

Iryn was miraculously set free after a one-month jail stint in Japan. Her release came after her Japanese lawyers convinced court that her promoter had wittingly used her as a courier without her knowledge.

The singer had been slated to perform for the Uganda community living in Japan but the gig went up in smoke after her arrest.

Tumwesigye then fled the country following Iryn's arrest, but was arrested in Kampala in June 2013 to answer charges of drug trafficking.

In a related development Police in Japan has summoned Iryn to testify against the promoter in this spellbinding case.

Commenting about the case, Uganda Interpol boss Asan Kasingye who was also instrumental in securing Iryn's release said two weeks back their counterparts in Japan wrote to them requesting for assistance in arresting Tumwesigye.

"Makindye court where the case was heard has not delivered to us the judgement formally. Therefore we have not yet responded to them," Kasingye said.

Kasingye said that since Tumwesigye bears a Japanese passport and is therefore a national there, the Government of Japan has more responsibility over him.

He also clarified that Iryn would be required in court to testify against him.