Uganda orders extradition of ex-officer to US over cartel arms plot

A Ugandan court has ordered the extradition of retired Lieutenant Michael Katungi Mpeirwe to the United States to face federal charges. The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court ruled that the Director of Public Prosecutions satisfied the legal requirements under Uganda’s Extradition Act.

Mpeirwe faces three major counts before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia: conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiracy to possess firearms including machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to provide material support to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which the U.S. designates as a foreign terrorist organization.

Prosecutors allege the conspiracy involved smuggling military-grade weaponry—including rocket launchers, sniper rifles, and anti-aircraft weapons—valued at approximately $54 million. Mpeirwe, a former close associate of Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been committed to Luzira Prison pending the Minister of Justice’s final order for his surrender to U.S. authorities.