Karamoja Iron Sheets Scandal: Minister Agnes Nandutu Remanded To Luzira Prison
The Minister of State for Karamoja, Hon. Agnes Nandutu has been committed to the High Court for trial over corruption-related charges in the mismanagement of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja sub-region.
Nandutu appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo on Wednesday after spending a night in police cells at Kira Division headquarters over the scandal.
The Anti-Corruption Court grade one magistrate Esther Asiimwe charged the minister with counts of dealing with suspect property contrary to section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act,2009 (As Amended).
According to state prosecution, during the month of June 2022, at the OPM stores Namanve, Mukono District and Kkola cell, Bulwanyi Parish in Mukono district, Minister Nandutu dealt with 2000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 by receiving and holding the said iron sheets which she had reason to believe were acquired as a result of loss of public property, an offense under section 10 (1) of the Anti Corruption Act 2009.
“ Your Worship, I have instructions from the DPP to have the suspect committed to the High Court for trial. The committal papers are before you my lord,” State attorney, Mr David Bisamuyu said before an indictment was read and the minister committed.
The Magistrate, therefore, said she could not hear the Bududa Woman MP’s bail application following her committal. “The accused is hereby committed for trial in the next court session.”
Nandutu was henceforth remanded to Luzira Prison until May 3, 2023, when she’s expected to appear before the High Court for mention of her case
Nandutu faces one charge of dealing with suspect property contrary to section 21a(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009.
Under the charge, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) contends that during the month of June 2022, at the OPM stores Namanve, Mukono District, and Kkola cell, Bulwanyi Parish in Mukono district, the minister dealt with 2000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 by receiving and holding the said iron sheets which she had reason to believe were acquired as a result of loss of public property, an offense under section 10(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009.
