By Steven Candia and Pascal wesiga

The Police have asked the  International Police (Interpol) to issue a red notice, seeking the arrest of Adam Suleiman Kalungi, the fugitive lover of deceased Butaleja Member of Parliament Cerinah Nebanda.

The move came after court on Monday issued an arrest warrant for Kalungi alias Luli. Speaking to New Vision yesterday, Police boss Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura confirmed the move. 

“We shall use Interpol, in addition to our own efforts, to have him apprehended,” he said.

At a press conference held at the Media Centre in Kampala, Tuesday, deputy police spokesperson Vincent Ssekate said they were in process of securing a red notice for Kalungi.

A red notice is issued by Interpol  and circulated to Interpol member states, seeking the arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition. 

On Monday, five suspects were charged in Makindye Court, which issued the arrest warrant, with the illegal possession of narcotic drugs. They were remanded until January 15. The suspects were said to be part of a drug trafficking racket linked to Kalungi.

The suspects were arrested following the death of Nebanda and after a toxicological report linked her death to cocaine and heroin.

The suspects who were charged include Abid Rashid Butt alias Iqbal, a Ugandan of Pakistan origin, Fatima Babu, Khan Babu, Noor Abubaker and Ali Omar Ai Muzahim, all Ugandans.

Police alleged that Butt, Fatima, Khan and Noor are close associates of Kalungi with whom they are said to be part of an intricate and secretive international drug cartel operating in the region with activities spanning from Pakistan to South Sudan.

“The persons, together with Noor Abubaker, are very close associates of Kalungi, who, like Khan, was also an agent in the drug business,” Ssekate said.

The Police are also on the hunt for a suspected Nigerian drug dealer, identified as Basil Okonkwo, who claims to be a pastor, in whose residence suspected narcotics and a document linking him to Butt, were allegedly recovered a few days ago.

Kayihura hinted that Kalungi and the rest of suspects could face manslaughter charges.

“Once these links are established and once the final post-mortem report confirms the preliminary findings, the Police will prefer more serious charges,” Kayihura said.