The Anti-Corruption Court is set to deliver its ruling in a case against former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, who is accused of dealing in suspected government property.
The presiding judge, Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, will determine whether the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Ms Nandutu faces charges of dealing with suspect property following the alleged diversion of iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities, including the Karachunas, in the Karamoja sub-region.
According to the prosecution, in June 2022, the former minister received and held 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets, gauge 28, marked Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), knowing or having reason to believe they had been unlawfully acquired.
Last week, court assessors Bob Nabende, Sarah Namayanja, and Rose Joanittah advised the court that the accused should be found guilty, stating that the prosecution had sufficiently proved its case.
“Your Lordship, it is our considered opinion that the accused is guilty of the offence charged,” Ms Namayanja submitted on behalf of the assessors.
She added that, as a senior government official, Ms Nandutu ought to have known that receiving the iron sheets without proper requisition was irregular.
“The accused, being a State minister, knew that what she was doing was wrong, especially since the iron sheets were not requisitioned for the intended beneficiaries,” she said.
The assessors also faulted Ms Nandutu for failing to provide evidence to support the lawful acquisition of the iron sheets.
Separately, on April 30, 2024, the UK Foreign Office imposed sanctions on Ms Nandutu under its Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime.
The sanctions were linked to her alleged involvement in the misappropriation of iron sheets intended for housing vulnerable communities in Karamoja, resulting in an asset freeze and travel ban.
