Uganda has formally ordered the extradition of Michael Katungi Mpeirwe to the United States, where he is expected to stand trial on serious charges involving cocaine trafficking, firearms and alleged support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
The order was issued by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao on September 1, 2026, following an extradition request by the Government of the United States. The warrant directs Ugandan authorities to surrender Mpeirwe to an authorised representative of the US government for transportation to the United States.
According to the warrant, the US made the extradition request through diplomatic channels in December 2025. The request was made in connection with criminal proceedings before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, under Case No. 1:25-CR-102 (AJT).
The case involves Mpeirwe and three other individuals — Peter Dimitrov Mirchev, Elisha Odhiambo Asumo and Subiro Osmund Mwapinga.
The extradition process was considered under Uganda’s Extradition Act, Cap. 124, as well as the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
The warrant states that the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road in Kampala considered the extradition proceedings against Mpeirwe and, in a ruling dated August 28, 2026, found that the legal requirements for his extradition had been met. The court subsequently committed him to prison pending a decision by the Minister on his surrender.
Following the court’s decision and the expiry of the applicable statutory period, Minister Mao exercised his powers under Section 12 of the Extradition Act and ordered that Mpeirwe be surrendered to the United States.
The warrant directs the Commissioner General of Prisons, or an authorised officer, to release and hand over Mpeirwe to a person duly authorised by the US Government. The authorised US representative will then be responsible for receiving him and conveying him from Uganda into US jurisdiction.
Mpeirwe, who is identified in the warrant as a Ugandan national, faces three charges in the United States.
The first is conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, with allegations that those involved knew, intended or had reasonable cause to believe that the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.
The second charge concerns an alleged conspiracy to possess firearms, including a machinegun and destructive device, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The third charge is conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
The warrant does not determine Mpeirwe’s guilt on any of the charges. He is to be tried before the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, where the allegations will be heard in accordance with US law.
Ugandan authorities have been directed to facilitate the lawful transfer and surrender while ensuring that the process complies with Ugandan law, applicable extradition arrangements and any conditions attached to the surrender.
The warrant was signed and sealed by Minister Mao at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in Kampala on September 1, 2026. A copy was also copied to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The development clears the way for Mpeirwe’s transfer from Ugandan custody to the United States, where he will face trial over the allegations contained in the US criminal case.
