On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the legality of the witness summons and investigations against Mary Goretti Kitutu, the Minister of Karamoja Affairs, will be challenged in court. The proceedings relate to the supplementary budget for peace-building activities. Kitutu, represented by her lawyer Jude Byamukama, argues that conducting investigations before the court pronounces itself on the matter would violate the sub judice rule, which restricts public discussion of matters pending before the courts.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court will preside over the hearing. The sub judice rule forms the basis of Kitutu’s argument, emphasizing the need for the court to rule on the issue before investigations proceed.
The minister, facing witness summons, was expected to provide information to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) regarding the supplementary funds allocated to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for peace-building activities in the Karamoja sub-region during the 2021/2022 financial year. However, citing the sub judice rule, Kitutu sent her lawyer to explain her predicament to the IGG, making her physical appearance impossible.
The IGG spokesperson, Ali Munira, confirmed that Kitutu’s lawyer had presented the explanation. Munira also noted that the minister would be summoned on a date communicated to her soon. The summons, dated December 6, 2023, was received by Kitutu on January 4, coinciding with a directive to the Police to search Kitutu’s residence in Bbunga, Kampala.
