Kampala, August 14, 2025 – In the wake of a serious U.S. federal indictment involving allegations of international arms trafficking and drug conspiracy, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has announced the removal of Lt (rtd) Michael Katungi Mpeirwe from his position as Commissioner of External Affairs and revoked his membership in the movement’s Central Committee. The move comes directly from PLU Chairman, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, marking a shift in the group’s leadership procedures: henceforth, only the Chairman will appoint foreign affairs leaders.
In a post on social media platform X, General Muhoozi stated: “I have decided to remove, Michael Katungi, as Commissioner External Affairs of PLU. He is also removed as a member of our Central Committee.”
Background: U.S. Indictment and Allegations
Katungi was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice and revealed on July 30, 2025 in the Eastern District of Virginia. He is accused, along with three other foreign nationals, of conspiring to illegally supply $58 million worth of military-grade weapons—including machine guns, rocket launchers, sniper rifles, anti‐aircraft weapons, and night-vision equipment—to Mexico’s Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), designated as a foreign terrorist organisation earlier this year.
According to the U.S. indictment, the conspiracy involved falsified End-User Certificates (EUCs) and other deceptive arms control documentation. Among the accused are a Bulgarian trafficker, Peter Dimitrov Mirchev; Kenyans Elisha Odhiambo Asumo; and Tanzanian Subiro Osmund Mwapinga, who allegedly facilitated the documents that made it appear the arms were destined for Tanzania, when in fact they were bound for the cartel.
While Mirchev, Asumo, and Mwapinga have been arrested and face extradition or trial proceedings, Katungi remains at large, reportedly in Uganda.
Katungi’s Background & Response
Katungi—who served in various diplomatic and military-security roles for Uganda and the African Union—was appointed as PLU’s Commissioner for External Affairs in January 2023. His appointment followed a distinguished career that includes service as deputy head of mission in Nigeria and roles within the AU, while pursuing a PhD in Peace and Security Studies in Germany.
He vehemently denies the accusations, dismissing them as politically motivated and malicious. In a social media post, he stated: “Ignore with contempt deserved, malicious accusations.”
Additionally, he recently canceled an upcoming diaspora engagement event in the U.S., though it remains unclear if this decision was influenced by the indictment.
Implications and International Outlook
Meanwhile, Uganda’s history of extradition cooperation with the U.S. could weigh on Katungi’s future, as precedent cases have seen Ugandans extradited following formal requests via Interpol and international treaties.
Summary Table
Event Details
Indictment date Unsealed July 30 , 2025 in Eastern District of Virginia
Allegations Conspiracy to supply $58 million in military arms to CJNG
Katungi’s Faction Removed by Gen. Muhoozi from PLU leadership
Katungi’s Response Denies charges; calls them malicious political smears
Future Appointments Only PLU Chair will now appoint foreign affairs roles
Legal Outlook Potential extradition; historic Ugandan precedent exists
Conclusion
PLU’s prompt removal of Katungi from key leadership roles underscores the gravity of the allegations and the organization’s move to distance itself from the scandal. As the legal process unfolds in the U.S., the case raises profound questions regarding political accountability, international law enforcement cooperation, and the future direction of PLU under Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
