Amidst an ongoing inquiry into the supplementary funds released to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for peace-building activities in the Karamoja region during the 2021/2022 financial year, Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu has chosen not to appear before the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya. Instead, Kitutu has sent her lawyer, Judge Byamukama, to represent her in the matter.
The summons, issued on December 6, 2023, required Kitutu’s appearance before the IGG to provide information pertinent to the ongoing investigation. Kitutu, facing legal challenges since April of the previous year, has been embroiled in a case related to the loss of public property, specifically the diversion of iron sheets intended for distribution to the vulnerable population in the Karamoja sub-region.
Judge Byamukama, attired in a navy blue suit, arrived at the IGG’s office on Parliamentary Avenue at approximately 10:40 am. Accompanied by lawyer Counsel Rogers Katunguka, Byamukama represented Kitutu during the scheduled appearance.
The summons adds to Kitutu’s legal woes, following a directive for the Police to search her residence in Bbunga, Kampala. The directive, issued recently, is part of the broader investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds.
In the earlier case from April, Kitutu was arrested and brought before the Anti-Corruption Court, facing charges related to the mismanagement of public property. Her brother, Michael Naboya Kitutu, faced accusations of receiving stolen property, while her personal assistant, Joshua Abaho, battled charges of corruption in connection to the diversion of iron sheets meant for Karamoja’s vulnerable population.
