Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court has remanded Michael Katungi Mpeirwe after he was arrested on a warrant issued in connection with an extradition request by the United States. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe on Monday as Ugandan authorities commenced proceedings to determine whether he should be extradited to face criminal charges in the US.
According to court documents, Mpeirwe is among four people indicted by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The others are Peter Dimitrov Mirchev, Elisha Odhiambo Asumo, and Subiro Osmund Mwapinga. They face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine, allegedly knowing the narcotics were destined for the United States.
The indictment also accuses the suspects of conspiring to possess firearms, including machine guns and destructive devices, in furtherance of drug trafficking, as well as conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation. US prosecutors allege the accused were involved in a transnational criminal network linking narcotics trafficking, weapons procurement and support for organised crime.
State Attorneys Adrian Asingwire and Joan Keko told court that the extradition request is based on the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The arrest warrant was issued on June 23, 2026, to secure Mpeirwe's appearance before court for the commencement of extradition proceedings.
However, defence lawyer Musa Nsamba objected to the proceedings, indicating that his client intends to challenge the extradition request. The case has been adjourned as the court considers the legal process surrounding the US application.
Source: Daily Monitor UG
