By Hannah Marion Namukasa
The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has remanded State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu to Luzira Prison over her alleged role in the diversion of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Program.
Nandutu, the Bududa Woman Member of Parliament and a resident of Nantabulilwa in Seeta Mukono, was arraigned on Wednesday before the Court presided over by Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe and charged with one count of dealing with suspect property.
The court has heard that during the month of June 2022 at the Office of the Prime Minister’s Stores in Namanve and Kkola Cell Bulwanyi Parish Mukono District, Nandutu dealt with government property that is 2,000 prepainted iron sheets Gauge 28 by receiving and holding the said iron sheets.
She denied the charges and the 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 which the Magistrate granted.
Nandutu’s lawyers led by Charles Nandaah Wamukoota, Humphrey Tumwesigye, and John Nalera informed the Court that they were ready to apply for bail for their client but the Magistrate said that the file has been forwarded to the High Court for trial following a speedy process of finalizing investigations by the State.
Asiimwe remanded Nandutu to Luzira Prison until May 3rd, 2023.
Nandutu who spent a night at Kira Division Police in Wakiso District prior to her production in Court becomes the third Minister to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court over the iron sheets scandal.
