Uganda Orders Extradition of Ex-Officer to U.S. on Drug and Arms Charges
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has signed the extradition order for Michael Katungi Mpeirwe, a former Ugandan officer, to face trial in the United States on serious drug and arms trafficking charges. The order was signed on September 1, 2026, following approval from a magistrate’s court.
The warrant, issued under the Extradition Act, Cap. 124, directs Ugandan authorities to surrender Mpeirwe to U.S. representatives . He will face trial before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, in respect of criminal charges contained in Case No. 1:25-CR-102 (AJT) .
The Charges
U.S. prosecutors have charged Mpeirwe with conspiring to import at least five kilograms of cocaine, possessing machine guns in connection with drug crimes, and supporting the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, a designated terrorist group . His co-defendants from other countries, identified as Peter Dimitrov Mirchev, Elisha Odhiambo Asumo, and Subiro Osmund Mwapinga, are already in U.S. custody .
The Extradition Process
The U.S. Government formally requested Mpeirwe’s extradition through a Note Verbale dated December 23, 2025 . Uganda considered the request pursuant to the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the Extradition Act, Cap. 124 .
Following extradition proceedings at the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road, Kampala, the court issued a ruling on August 28, 2026, finding that the legal requirements for extradition had been satisfied, and committed him to prison pending the Minister’s order for surrender .
The Surrender Order
The Warrant of Surrender, signed by Minister Mao, orders and directs that Michael Katungi Mpeirwe shall be surrendered to the Government of the United States for the purpose of being conveyed to stand trial . The Commissioner General of Prisons is directed to release and deliver Mpeirwe into the custody of a person duly authorized by the U.S. Government to receive him .
Public Reaction
Social media shows a split in public opinion, with some cheering his likely innocence and return home, while others worry it undermines Uganda’s sovereignty . The allegations await trial, where conviction could mean 10 years to life .
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