UGANDA, Karamoja | Real Muloodi News | The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Mary Goretti Kitutu, has been sent to Luzira Prison for allegedly diverting 9000 iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja sub-region.
Minister Kitutu 61, and her brother Micheal Naboya Kitutu, 52, were charged with conspiracy to defraud and loss of public property at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
The prosecution told the court that between June 2022 and January 2023, at the Office of the Prime Minister’s stores in Namanve, Minister Kitutu caused the government a loss of 9000 iron sheets meant for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme by diverting them from the intended purpose for her own benefit and to the benefit of third parties, including her close relatives.
Kitutu’s assistant, Mr Joushua Abaho, 46, who is also accused in the case, was not present in court during the hearing. Abaho was charged with corruption, while Minister Kitutu’s brother faced charges related to receiving stolen property.
Both Kitutu and her brother denied all charges before the trial magistrate, Joan Aciro. The minister was represented by lawyers Michael Wamasebu and Jude Byamukama.
The court remanded Kitutu and her brother to Luzira prison until April 12th, 2023, when the court will decide on their bail application. The prosecution also indicated that several government ministers may be implicated in the diversion of the Karamoja iron sheets, although many have denied involvement.
Kitutu was arrested on Tuesday after she refused to take an oath before the parliamentary presidential committee and ignored police summons. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (OPP) charged the controversial minister after she was arrested.
The OPP tweeted on Wednesday evening that “The Director of Public Prosecutions (OPP) Jane Frances Abodo has consented to the charges. The Police have been directed to produce the Minister in court for a plea.”
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