world 29 June 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Ex-AU Adviser Michael Katungi Faces Extradition to US for Arms and Drug Trafficking Allegations
Former African Union policy advisor, Michael Katungi Mpeirwe, has been remanded to Luzira Prison as Uganda begins extradition proceedings requested by the United States government. The US seeks to prosecute Katungi for alleged involvement in a vast international drug and arms trafficking scheme linked to a designated terrorist organization. Source: https://observer.ug/news/us-seeks-extradition-of-ex-plu-commissioner-katungi-over-arms-drug-trafficking
Michael Katungi Mpeirwe, who previously served as a policy advisor for the African Union and held positions within Uganda’s Patriotic League of Uganda, is currently detained following an arrest warrant issued by the United States. Court documents reveal that the US is seeking his extradition to face charges related to a conspiracy involving the distribution of narcotics and firearms. The indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges that Katungi was part of a scheme to supply military-grade weapons to Mexico’s Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
The alleged illicit activities, which investigators claim began in September 2022, reportedly involved the trafficking of cocaine and firearms, including machine guns, rocket launchers, and even surface-to-air missile systems. The total value of the planned arms shipments is estimated to be around €53.7 million (approximately Shs 224 billion).
During his initial court appearance in Uganda, Katungi opposed the extradition request, and his legal team indicated they would challenge the legality of the proceedings. They argued that crucial documents had not been provided, hindering their ability to prepare a defense and also applied for bail. However, state attorneys countered that these applications were premature as formal extradition proceedings had not yet commenced.
Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa ruled that Katungi was lawfully brought before the court and remanded him to Luzira Prison until July 10, 2026, when the extradition application hearing is scheduled. The prosecution has been ordered to file its formal application by July 1, with the defense expected to respond by July 7.
The CJNG was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government on February 20, 2025. The indictment details how co-defendants allegedly used fraudulent documents to mask the true destination of the weapons, with Katungi implicated in recruiting individuals to facilitate the procurement of an End-User Certificate from Tanzania for AK-47 rifles.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)