The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, has directed extradition proceedings against former UPDF officer Michael Katungi Mpeirwe to continue, including the presentation of evidence supporting a request by the United States for his extradition.

Katungi is wanted in the United States over allegations including cocaine trafficking, firearms offences and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.

The ruling follows an application by defence lawyer Medard Sseggona, who asked the court to stay the proceedings pending determination of a constitutional application challenging the extradition process.

Sseggona argued that his client could suffer irreparable harm if he were surrendered before the constitutional issues were resolved.

However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the defence had filed several applications that had delayed the extradition proceedings.

The State cited Article 126(2)(b) of the Constitution, which requires justice to be administered without delay, and asked the court to allow the extradition hearing to proceed as scheduled.

In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Kidasa said the mere filing of an application for a stay does not automatically halt court proceedings, noting that there was no stay order in force.

She clarified, however, that the application had not been dismissed and remains scheduled for hearing on August 31, 2026, when the court will consider it on its merits.

Katungi has been on remand at Luzira Prison since June 29, 2026, following his arrest on a warrant issued in response to the United States extradition request.

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