Former Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer and former African Union adviser Michael Katungi Mpeirwe has been extradited to the United States to face trial on serious international narcotics, firearms, and terrorism charges.

Katungi was handed over to American law enforcement officials from Luzira Prison early on Saturday following the conclusion of extradition formalities in Kampala. He is wanted by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on three counts, including conspiracy to distribute cocaine destined for the US, illegal possession of destructive devices and machine guns, and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.

The US allegations. According to American court documents, prosecutors allege that Katungi was a key actor in a transnational network that planned to supply military-grade weaponry to Mexico’s Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The syndicate is also accused of trafficking large quantities of cocaine. Several co-defendants named in the same indictment have already been extradited to North America from Spain, Morocco, and Ghana.

Legal proceedings in Kampala. Katungi, who was also previously associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda, was arrested in Kampala in June following a formal extradition request from Washington. While appearing at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, Katungi’s legal representatives challenged the extradition request, raising concerns over the transfer process. However, Ugandan authorities, guided by the Attorney General’s Chambers, concluded that the surrender met the statutory requirements under national extradition laws and international obligations.

This high-profile case highlights growing cross-border cooperation between Ugandan authorities and international security agencies against transnational organized crime. King Musah Media will continue to monitor developments as the trial commences in the United States.