Lawyer Jude Byamukama has raised concerns over the legal process being followed in the extradition proceedings against Michael Katungi, arguing that Ugandan courts must first determine whether the legal requirements for extradition have been met before he can be surrendered to the United States.
Katungi, a former Ugandan military officer, is wanted by U.S. authorities over allegations that he helped a Mexican drug cartel traffic firearms and narcotics into the United States.
He was recently arraigned before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court following his arrest on an extradition warrant and has since been remanded.
Speaking on the matter, Byamukama said it was premature to allow the Magistrate’s Court to commence the extradition process without first ensuring strict compliance with Uganda’s extradition laws.
“If Katungi was arrested in the USA, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. For extradition to happen, Ugandan law must be complied with,” Byamukama said.
He argued that whenever a country seeks to extradite one of its citizens, there must first be a judicial determination in the country from which the person is being surrendered.
According to him, the same legal safeguards apply even to non-Ugandans arrested in Uganda who are wanted abroad.
Byamukama further noted that Katungi is not facing any criminal charges in Uganda, saying the proceedings before the Ugandan courts relate solely to the U.S. extradition request.
“Mr. Katungi technically isn’t facing trial in Uganda. He is not charged with any crime on Ugandan soil,” he said.
The case remains before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court as Ugandan authorities consider the U.S. request for Katungi’s extradition.