Court in Japan is on Friday expected to decide the fate of Ugandan musician Iryn Namubiru who is currently detained in Tokyo on allegations of drug trafficking.
The family of Iryn Namubiru prayed alongside fellow artists ahead of the expected Friday court ruling miles away in Japan. PHOTO/Abu Mwesigwa
Japanese authorities arrested her upon arrival at the airport there on allegations that she carried contraband packed in food from Uganda.
Now her fate remains in a decision expected to be taken by a court in the Asian country.
Meanwhile back home, several local artists, together with Namubiru’s family congregated at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala to pray for her ahead of the court ruling.
Among the musicians were Juliana Kanyomozi, Silver Kyagulanyi, Bobi Wine, Catherine Kusasira, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Julie Mutesasira,Dr. Hilderman.
The service, led by Rev. Diana Nkesiga Namutebi of All Saints Cathedral had the program of the service led by Roger Mugisha, a renowned radio personality and Emcee.
Rev. Namutebi called on the artists to continue praying for their fellow musician without judging her.
She also hopes that the judgment set to be passed by the court is fair and just.
She used to opportunity to urge the artists to redeem their image as many people associate them with drugs due to some among them who are drug addicts.
‘’When one musician is a drug addict and has been caught dealing in drugs, we think that all musicians are the same. But you need to change that image such that people will stop associating you with drugs.”
Namutebi instead told all musicians to be artists to be drunk in the [Holy] Spirit instead of being drunk from taking wine.
Singer Namubiru has, through her professional career, won over the hearts of a local, regional and international audience.
In the days following her arrest, there was wide speculation over her future, with some people fearing that she could face either a death penalty or life in jail if found guilty by the Japanese judicial system.
Silver Kyagulanyi, a songwriter and singer, spoke on behalf of artists.
“Today is Namubiru, but tomorrow it might be another artist,” he said, going on to urge his fellow entertainers to respond positively to situations like the one Namubiru is going through.
He called for support and prayer towards the apprehended female entertainer.
By Norah Mutesi, The New Vision