The Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road has cleared the extradition of retired Lieutenant Michael Katungi Mpeirwe to the United States, where he is wanted to face terrorism, drug trafficking and firearms-related charges.
Chief Magistrate Ritah Kidasa Neumbe ruled on Friday, August 28, 2026, that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had satisfied the legal requirements for Katungi’s extradition under the Extradition Act, Cap. 124.
The court consequently committed Katungi to prison pending his surrender to the US authorities, where he is expected to stand trial before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The extradition proceedings followed a request by the US government seeking Katungi’s surrender over three charges arising from an alleged conspiracy involving cocaine trafficking, firearms and support to a foreign terrorist organisation.
According to the US request, Katungi is accused of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least five kilogrammes of cocaine.
He is also accused of conspiring to possess firearms, including a machine gun and destructive device, in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
The third charge relates to an alleged conspiracy to provide material support to Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, a foreign terrorist organisation designated by the United States.
The Ugandan proceedings were conducted by the DPP on behalf of the Republic of Uganda, with Chief State Attorney Adrine Asingwire representing the prosecution.
Katungi challenged the extradition proceedings on several grounds, but the court dismissed his preliminary objections.
Among the issues raised was the procedure through which the extradition proceedings had been initiated, as well as the authority of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Solicitor General to process the US request.
Katungi also raised an argument based on diplomatic immunity and challenged the legal standing of the DPP to conduct extradition proceedings.
The court rejected the arguments, holding that diplomatic immunity does not extend to proceedings in Uganda or third countries merely because an individual may have diplomatic status in another jurisdiction.
Justice Neumbe further affirmed the constitutional mandate of the DPP to institute and conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the State under Article 120 of the Constitution.
The court also dealt with concerns surrounding evidence presented by the prosecution.
An affidavit filed in support of the extradition request by Michael D. Stanton had earlier been removed from the court record after the deponent failed to appear for cross-examination.
Despite the removal of the affidavit, the court found that the prosecution had presented sufficient remaining evidence to meet the threshold required for an extradition committal.
The evidence included an affidavit sworn by D/SSP Kule Yona and authenticated documents supplied by the US authorities.
The court found that the evidence established the necessary legal basis for Katungi to be committed pending extradition.
The ruling now clears the way for the process of surrendering Katungi to the United States, where he will face the charges before the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The case adds to a growing number of international criminal investigations in which Ugandan authorities have been asked to assist foreign jurisdictions through extradition proceedings.
For now, Katungi remains in custody in Uganda as arrangements for his extradition to the United States proceed.
