The Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrates Court in Kampala has committed State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu for trial in the High Court on one count of dealing with suspect property. 

This was after the Prosecution lawyers informed the court that the inquiries and investigations in the matter were complete.

Nandutu, who pleaded not guilty to the alleged offense, becomes the first suspect in the Karamoja iron sheets scam to be committed to the High Court for trial.

 She was remanded to Luzira Prisons until 3rd May 2023.

 State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu drove to the police at CID headquarters in Kibuli, Kampala on 18th April 2023 to record a statement. The Hon. Nandutu had earlier allegedly snubbed police summons.

She, was, however, detained at the Kiira Division Police overnight and was brought this morning to the Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrates Court in Kololo, Kampala where she appeared before Magistrate Esther Asiimwe. 

In court, the junior minister for Karamoja Affairs was charged with one count of dealing with suspect property, related to the alleged abuse and/or diversion of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Program. 

The Hon. Nandutu, who appeared jolly and relaxed in the dock, denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution led by David Bisamunyu told the court that he had received instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to have the accused minister committed to the High Court for trial. The trial magistrate would later read Nandutu’s indictment to court and committed her for trial.

However, Nandutu’s lawyer Charles Wamukota tried to apply for bail, but the magistrate said she was now powerless since the file was already committed to the High Court where the Hon. Nandutu could apply for bail since it was a higher court.

 Magistrate Asiimwe then adjourned the matter to 3rd May 2023 for mention. Nandutu was remanded to Luzira Prisons but she briefly expressed her concerns before she entered the court cells, awaiting the journey to Luzira where she may spend nearly two weeks.  

The Hon. Nandutu, who is also the Bududa District Woman MP, becomes the third minister charged with the alleged theft of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja sub-region. Others are the Minister for Karamoka Affairs Dr. Mary Gortti Kitutu and State Minister for Finance Amos Lugoloobi.

Sources say the police have prepared the file of at least eight ministers who are lined up to be charged in court over the Karamoja iron sheets saga.

Mary Prima Awor