The trial for the case involving Finance State Minister Amos Lugoloobi, who is accused of diverting iron sheets designated for the Karamoja sub-region, is set to begin on October 16, 2023. The proceedings will be presided over by Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya at the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero, Kampala.
According to the prosecution, Lugoloobi is alleged to have engaged in activities related to government property between July 14, 2022, and February 28, 2023. These activities occurred at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) stores in Namanve, Mukono District, and various locations in Matugga, Wakiso District, as well as Ntenjeru North in Kayunga District. Specifically, he is accused of handling 400 pre-painted iron sheets bearing the label “Office of the Prime Minister,” despite being aware that these iron sheets were government property.
Lugoloobi’s legal representation is provided by lawyers John Isabirye and Tony Tumukunde, while Josephine Namatovu, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions attached to the Anti-Corruption Department, is responsible for prosecuting the case.
In August, the court appointed three assessors to assist Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya in reaching a suitable verdict for the case. Lugoloobi, who also serves as the Ntenjeru North Member of Parliament, is facing two counts of dealing with suspect property, as outlined in Section 21(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act. If convicted, this offense carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.
Specifically, the allegations state that Lugoloobi, on the second count of dealing with suspect property, engaged in such activities between February 1, 2023, and March 16, 2023, at the OPM stores in Namanve and other mentioned locations. During this period, he is accused of dealing with 300 pre-painted iron sheets labeled “Office of the Prime Minister,” with reason to believe that these iron sheets were acquired as a result of the public loss of property.
Lugoloobi allegedly received a total of 600 iron sheets in two equal batches of 300. The first consignment was received from the OPM on July 15, 2022, and was documented under voucher number 8058. These iron sheets were reportedly signed for by his assistant, John Allan Damulira, and transported using a vehicle with registration number UBG430S.
