The Anti- Corruption court has summoned Agnes Nandutu, the former State Minister for Karamoja following her failure to appear for the fourth time to defend her self.
The summons, issued by Acting Principal Judge Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, requires Nandutu to appear on July 24 to explain why her bail should not be revoked.
The judge also summoned Nandutu’s sureties—Bulambuli Elgon North MP Gerald Nangoli, Budadiri West MP Nandala Mafabi, and Bududa District Chairperson Milton Kamooti—who were also absent from court.
The summons followed a request by Chief State Attorney David Bisamunyu from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, after defense lawyers claimed Nandutu was unwell.
In January 2023, Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, the former minister for Karamoja Affairs who doubles as the Woman MP for Manafwa, directed the release of over 12,200 pre-painted iron sheets labelled Office of the Prime Minister to various ministers and legislators.
The beneficiaries of the corrugated roofing sheets include Jessica Alupo, Vice President; Anita Among, Speaker of Parliament; Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister; Judith Nabakooba, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development; and Rose Lilly Akello, Minister for Ethics and Integrity.
Others are the state minister for primary education, Moriku Kaducu; former speaker Rebecca Kadaga; state minister for defence, Jacob Markson Oboth; third deputy prime minister, Rukia Nakadama; finance minister Matia Kasija; Kitutu Mary Gorreti; government chief whip, Obua Denis Hanson; Amos Lugoloobi; state minister for agriculture, animal industry, and fisheries, Bwiino Kyakulaga; state minister for Karamoja, Agnes Nadutu; and others.
Nabakooba, Nandutu, Kasaija, and Among returned their shares to the office of the Prime Minister (OPM) stores in Namannve. One of the most curious aspects of the saga is that, whereas each iron sheet was procured for Shs 71,000, ministers were allowed to pay Shs 68,000 as replacement for the iron sheets they took.
Of all the beneficiaries, it is only Kitutu and her brother Michael Kitutu Naboya, Nandutu, and Lugoloobi who have been charged before courts of law. Kitutu and her brother are facing six counts, which include loss of public property, corruption, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy to defraud. Nandutu is grappling with charges of dealing with suspect property following the diversion of 2,000 iron sheets meant for the Karachunas.
Meanwhile, Lugoloobi is battling two charges of dealing with suspect property after he reportedly received 700 pieces of pre-painted iron sheets and used them to roof shelters for his animals.
