UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has granted an application by State Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Amos Lugoloobi, seeking the relaxation of bail terms imposed on him.
The Minister had been charged with dealing with suspected property about the diversion of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Program.
As a result of this court decision, Lugoloobi’s diplomatic passport will be returned to him indefinitely, enabling him to travel for official state duties.
In April, Amos Lugoloobi was arraigned in the Anti-Corruption Court, accused of dealing with government property related to 700 pre-painted iron sheets that were marked as being from the Office of the Prime Minister.
The prosecution alleged that these iron sheets were obtained as a result of the loss of public property, an offence under the Anti-Corruption Act.
After the initial court proceedings, Minister Lugoloobi was granted bail with a cash sum of ten million Shillings.
However, his movements were restricted within Uganda, and he was required to seek permission from the court before travelling outside the country.
On July 4th, 2023, Lugoloobi’s legal team applied to relax the bail terms. They argued that his line of work as a State Minister required him to travel frequently for official functions and conferences.
His lawyers presented evidence of numerous invitations to international conferences and meetings related to Uganda’s economic and sustainable development goals.
The prosecution opposed the application, stating that when bail was granted, it was not intended for regular foreign travel but primarily to secure medical treatment.
They argued that granting the relaxation of bail terms might set a precedent that could be misused by other government officials or ministers seeking similar exemptions.
Chief Magistrate Pamela Lamunu presided over the case and took note of the Minister’s frequent official travel needs, as evidenced by various invitation letters attached to his application.
She considered the Minister’s important role in representing Uganda in high-level meetings and conferences, acknowledging the time-consuming processes involved in arranging such trips.
Lamunu granted the application, allowing Minister Lugoloobi to have his diplomatic passport back indefinitely.
However, the court emphasized that he must provide official notice to the Registrar before each trip, including details of the destination and the date of return.
The rest of the bail conditions, including the sureties, remain unchanged.
ADVERTISEMENT:
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
State Minister Lugoloobi Granted Bail Amidst Karamoja Corruption Scandal
State Finance Minister Arrested, Denied Bail in Iron Sheet Theft Case
Karamoja Iron Sheets: Third Minister Detained after Surrendering to Police
