Nandutu iron sheets case: Judge to sum up case for assessors
After the judge’s summing up, the case is expected to be referred to the court assessors for their opinion. Procedurally, the assessors advise the court on whether to convict or acquit the accused person based on the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
Former Karamoja affairs state minister Agnes Nandutu. (File photo)
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High Court judge Jane Okuo Kajuga is March 17, 2026, expected to sum up a case in which the former Karamoja affairs state minister Agnes Nandutu is accused of diverting iron sheets that were meant for the Karamoja sub-region.
After the judge’s summing up, the case is expected to be referred to the court assessors for their opinion. Procedurally, the assessors advise the court on whether to convict or acquit the accused person based on the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
Court assessors are usually non-lawyers who sit with a judge to assist in evaluating the evidence and circumstances of a case. However, their opinion is advisory and is not binding on the judge.
The prosecution is led by Chief State Prosecutor David Bisamunyu, while the defence team comprises lawyers Evans Ochieng, Caleb Alaka, Charles Nandaah Wamukoota and John Nalela.
THE CASE
Nandutu, who is also the Bududa district Woman MP, 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.
Prosecution alleges that Nandutu between the month of June and July 2022, at the OPM stores in Namanve, and in Kkola Cell, Bulwanyi Parish, Mukono district, dealt with government property, namely, 2000 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.