Iron Sheets Presented as Key Evidence in Minister Lugoloobi’s Trial

326 iron sheets have been admitted as exhibits in the ongoing trial of Finance State Minister Amos Lugoloobi. Presided over by Justice Margaret Tibulya, the Nakasero-based court allowed the iron sheets to be tendered through Assistant Superintendent of Police Fred Lumala, a key witness in the case. The sheets were allegedly recovered from Lugoloobi’s farm in Kayunga district on February 28, 2023, following a tip.

During Lumala’s testimony, he highlighted that the iron sheets bore the imprint ‘Office of the Prime Minister (OPM)’ and were pre-painted white. The court learned that 108 sheets had multiple nail holes, 210 were unused, and 8 were cut in halves. The counting process, conducted in the presence of Justice Tibulya, prosecution, and defense lawyers, ensured transparency before admitting them as exhibits.

The prosecution’s case alleges that between July 14, 2022, and February 28, 2023, Lugoloobi dealt with government property—400 pre-painted iron sheets marked ‘Office of the Prime Minister.’ He faces two counts of dealing with suspect property under the Anti-Corruption Act, with a maximum sentence of seven years upon conviction. The second count accuses Lugoloobi of dealing with 300 iron sheets between February 1, 2023, and March 16, 2023, with reason to believe they resulted from public loss.

In an attempt to substantiate their claims, the prosecution presented photographs of the scene of the alleged crime, taken by scene of crime officer Emmanuel Sebiyayi. These photos, displayed on a large screen in court, depicted the diverted iron sheets being used to roof a structure under construction, purportedly owned by Lugoloobi.

The case’s next hearing is scheduled for December 11 and 12, 2023, promising further revelations in the trial of Minister Lugoloobi.