Iryn Namubiru gets Japanese lawyers

By Pidson Kareire

Iryn Namubiru’s Japanese lawyer Yuko Matsumoto met her last Saturday for the first time since she was arrested a week ago to ascertain what exactly happened. 

Matsumoto said Iryn is still in custody though she was transferred from Narita airport prison to Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

In the message Matsumoto sent to Iryn’s music promoter Balaam Barugahara and her manager Thaddeus Mubiru, the lawyer said that she found Iryn very tired and weak, but she would be fine.

Matsumoto was hired by Balaam Enterprises through Happy Science, which is based in Japan, at US$20,000 (about sh52m).  She is from Miyahara Law Offices in Japan.

Matsumoto further said that, Hakim Tumwesigye, the promoter who contracted Iryn for the show, is required to testify and explain how he got the luggage which contained illegal drugs.

The lawyer said that she was allowed to see her and asked her fans and family members to be patient; "she will come out because she is innocent; she did not know she was carrying illegal drugs," she said.

Asan Kasingye, director of Interpol, said that he had not received feedback from his counterparts in Japan.  Interpol Uganda asked to have Iryn’s statement so that they can see how to intervene in the case.

“I have not gotten reply for the application I made but I am getting it any time since this is weekend I hope it will be ready early next week,” Kasingye explained.

Balaam said that Masumoto told him Iryn is still held until May 25 when the Japanese authorities decide whether she should be charged or released/deported.

However, the Japanese Government had given Iryn a free lawyer to help her in this case. This means that the singer has two lawyers.
 
Balaam also said that they have opened a project known as ‘Save Iryn Project,’ which will help to get advice and financial support from well-wishers and fans. 

Singer Iryn Namubiru was arrested in Tokyo, Japan, a week ago, where she had traveled to perform at the Golden Holy Week concert, which was scheduled for Saturday May 4. However, the singer was found in possession of illegal drugs on arrival.