Iron sheets scandal: Ex-Karamoja state minister Nandutu to start defence

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The former Karamoja affairs state minister Agnes Nandutu, who is accused of diverting iron sheets meant for the region, is scheduled to start defending herself today, July 24, 2025, at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.

On July 9, acting Principal Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga issued criminal summons against Nandutu after she failed to appear in court for the fourth time to defend herself in the matter.

The judge also summoned Nandutu’s sureties: Gerald Nangoli (Bulambuli Elgon North Member of Parliament), Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri West County MP), and Milton Kamooti (Bududa district chairperson), who also did not turn up in court.

Kajuga issued the summons following a request by chief state attorney David Bisamunyu after the defence lawyers claimed that Nandutu was sick.

Nandutu, who is also the Bududa district Woman MP, is being represented by lawyers: Evans Ochieng, Caleb Alaka, Charles Nandaah Wamukoota and John Nalela.

“I am giving the defence the last date. I hereby issue criminal summons against Nandutu and her sureties, who should appear in court in the next session without fail,” she earlier ordered. Kajuga said Nandutu’s claims of illness lack supporting evidence.

 The judge noted that Nandutu’s repeated absence in court follows a pattern of delay after the case progressed to the defence stage.

 “The claims of medical illness were initially accommodated, but it has become apparent that the accused wants to determine or set the pace at which this case will proceed, which is wrong,” Kajuga observed.

 The judge noted that the failure of Nandutu’s sureties to appear in court indicates “a lack of concern for their obligations.”

Kajuga stated that Nandutu’s medical claims were discredited by the Mulago hospital report, which found no evidence to support her illness.

 Kajuga emphasised that the trial must proceed, citing constitutional provisions that allow trials to continue even in the absence of accused persons.

Nandutu is battling charges of dealing with suspect property, contrary to section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act. If found guilty, Nandutu will be sentenced to seven years in prison.

Allegations

Prosecution alleges that Nandutu between the June and July 2022, at the OPM stores in Namanve, and in Kkola Cell, Bulwanyi Parish, Mukono district, dealt with government property, namely, 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 marked “Office of the Prime Minister”, by receiving and holding the items, which she had reason to believe were acquired as a result of loss of public property, an offence under Section 10 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009.

On the other hand, Kitutu, who is the Manafwa district Woman Member of Parliament, faces two counts of loss of public property and conspiracy to defraud at the Anti-Corruption Court together with her brother Micheal Kitutu Naboya and personal assistant Joshua Abaho.