Karamoja iron sheets: Minister Nandutu denied bail, remanded

The Anti-Corruption court has today remanded another minister to Luzira prison over diverting iron sheets meant for the people of Karamoja.

The state minister for Karamoja Affairs also Bududa Woman MP, Agnes Nandutu is now the third minister after Mary Goretti Kitutu and Amos Lugoloobi to be arrested and remanded over the scandal that sucked in over 22 cabinet ministers and 31 MPs and other local government officials.

Nandutu was arraigned before grade one magistrate Esther Asiimwe and charged with one count of dealing with suspect property. Court heard that in June 2022 at the Office of the Prime Minister’s (OPM) stores in Namanve and Kkola Cell Bulwanyi parish, Mukono district, Nandutu dealt with and irregularly received government property in form of 2,000 prepainted iron sheets, gauge 28.

She denied the charges and prosecution led by David Bisamunyu and Jonathan Muwaganya informed the court that investigations are complete and immediately asked court to commit her to the High court for trial.

According to the summary of the case, the iron sheets were bought but allegedly ended up in the wrong hands of third parties including minister for Karamoja Affairs Mary Goretti Kitutu Kimono and her personal assistant Joshua Abaho among others. Later Asiimwe committed the file to High court for trial.

Nandutu’s lawyers led by Charles Nandaah Wamukoota, Humphrey Tumwesigye, and John Nalera informed court that they were ready to apply for bail for their client. Nandaah told the court that they had lined up a team of ministers and MPs with their documents and in court to stand surety for their client.

But the magistrate said that the file has already been forwarded to the High court for trial following a speedy process of finalizing investigations by the state.

Although the law provides that an accused person is entitled to a speedy trial, Nandutu’s lawyers in rare circumstances complained that the process of finalizing investigations has been fast adding that the state did this hurriedly with intention of making their client not get bail.

Asiimwe remanded Nandutu to Luzira prison until May 3. She was arrested yesterday after presenting herself to police to record a statement.