Uganda has ordered the extradition of Michael Katungi Mpeirwe to the United States, where he faces charges including cocaine trafficking, firearms offences and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao signed the warrant of surrender on Sept. 1, directing Ugandan prison authorities to hand Katungi over to representatives authorised by the U.S. government.
Mao issued the order under Section 12 of Uganda’s Extradition Act, Cap. 124, following a decision and committal order by the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road in Kampala.
“I, Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the Republic of Uganda … hereby order that Michael Katungi Mpeirwe, presently in lawful custody in Uganda, shall be surrendered to the Government of the United States of America,” Mao said in the warrant.
He directed that Katungi be handed over to an authorised U.S. representative for transfer to the United States to stand trial for the offences for which his extradition was sought and authorised.
The warrant says the surrender must be carried out in accordance with Ugandan law, applicable extradition arrangements and any conditions governing the transfer.
Following the minister’s order, the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court issued a release order to the officer in charge of Murchison Bay Prison in Luzira, where Katungi is being held.
The court directed that Katungi be released and handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions to facilitate his extradition to the United States.
US charges
Katungi is wanted before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on three counts.
They are conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; conspiracy to possess firearms, including a machine gun and destructive device, in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; and conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
The extradition order clears the way for Katungi’s transfer from Ugandan custody to U.S. authorities, where he is expected to face trial on the charges.
