UGANDA, Karamoja | Real Muloodi News | Hon. Agnes Nandutu, the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, has been remanded to Luzira Prison until May 3rd, 2023, for her alleged involvement in the diversion of Iron sheets meant for the Karachunas in Karamoja Subregion. She is the 3rd Minister to be charged in the scandal.
Nandutu was brought before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo on Wednesday, and charged with Dealing with Suspect Property, contrary to section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 (As Amended). Following her arraignment, she was committed to the High Court for trial.
During the hearing, the State attorney, Mr David Bisamuyu, stated that investigations into the case had been completed. “I have been instructed by the DPP to have the suspect committed to the High Court for trial. My lord, the committal papers are before you,” he said before the minister was indicted and committed.
The court’s first-grade magistrate, Esther Asiimwe, stated that she could not entertain the Bududa Woman MP’s bail request due to her commitment to the High Court.
Therefore, Hon. Agnes Nandutu will only be able to apply for bail in the High Court, should she choose to do so. As a result, she has been remanded in Luzira Prison until May 3, 2023, when she is scheduled to appear in court for the mention of her case.
On Tuesday, April 18, Ms Nandutu surrendered herself to the CID headquarters at Kibuli for questioning after shirking her summons to appear at the Criminal Investigations Division on Friday. The police had been prepared to apprehend her, but she pre-empted this by presenting herself voluntarily.
Initial investigations by police discovered that Nandutu received 1,000 iron sheets. However, she recently returned the sheets to government stores, and reportedly went into hiding until she turned herself over to the police and was arrested.
Ms. Nandutu is the third minister to be implicated in the case, following the charging of Mary Gorreti Kitutu, the minister of Karamoja, and Amos Lugolobi, the state minister for finance (planning), in the Anti-Corruption Court.
The iron sheets that were intended as relief supplies for the people of Karamoja, a region that has been experiencing unrest.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
Karamoja Iron Sheets: Third Minister Detained after Surrendering to Police
State Finance Minister Arrested, Denied Bail in Iron Sheet Theft Case
Minister Kitutu Sent to Luzira Prison over Karamoja Iron Sheets
