Katungi extradition: Defence asks court to resolve legal challenge before hearing

What the report says

Lawyers for former Uganda People’s Defence Forces officer Michael Katungi Mpeirwe have asked Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court to first rule on a legal challenge to his extradition before moving ahead with the main hearing, according to Nile Post. The request was made in court on Thursday by defence lawyer Medard Sseggona, who argued that proceeding first on the substantive extradition matter could undermine Katungi’s constitutional claim and cause harm that would be difficult to reverse if he is sent to the United States.

Katungi is wanted in the US over allegations linked to an international drug and arms trafficking conspiracy and alleged support to a cartel designated by Washington as a foreign terrorist organization. The allegations have not been proven, and Katungi remains presumed innocent unless convicted. He was arrested in Uganda in June and remanded to Luzira Prison as extradition proceedings began. Earlier court action briefly paused the case, and a High Court challenge to stop the process was later dismissed, allowing the matter to return to Buganda Road Court.

In the latest hearing, the defence said the court should first address a July 9 application aimed at preserving the status quo while constitutional questions are resolved. Sseggona also questioned parts of Uganda’s Extradition Act and argued that surrendering Katungi before those issues are settled could leave no practical remedy if a higher court later finds the process unlawful. The State opposed the application, saying the defence has repeatedly sought delays and that no valid order currently stops the proceedings.

The magistrate is expected to decide how to proceed, a ruling that could affect the pace of one of Uganda’s closely watched extradition cases.