Ugandan ex-military officer to be extradited to US for arms plot with Mexican cartels

Uganda's justice system has approved the extradition of a retired military officer to the United States, where he faces charges in connection with a plot to supply weapons to Mexican drug cartels. Katungi Michael Mpeirwe, a former lieutenant in the Ugandan army, is accused of conspiring to provide approximately $54 million worth of arms to criminal organizations, including the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The prosecution in Uganda confirmed the extradition, marking a significant step in an international effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Virginia alleges that Mpeirwe was involved in a conspiracy to smuggle a range of heavy weaponry, including machine guns, rocket launchers, grenades, night vision equipment, sniper rifles, anti-personnel mines, and anti-aircraft weapons, to cartels operating in Mexico.

Mpeirwe was reportedly a close associate of Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and a high-ranking figure in the Ugandan military and politics. Kainerugaba had previously removed Mpeirwe from his position as director of External Relations within his political party following the indictment in the U.S. in July 2025. Despite losing his official post, Mpeirwe remained at liberty in Kampala.

The U.S. Department of Justice has identified the CJNG as "one of the most violent and prolific transnational criminal organizations in Mexico." The case highlights the complex international cooperation required to combat sophisticated criminal enterprises that operate across borders, involving multiple countries in both the supply and distribution of illicit goods.

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one of the most violent and prolific transnational criminal organizations in Mexico