State Minister Agnes Nandutu’s trial, where she is accused of corruption linked to the mismanagement of iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja, has been postponed.
The trial is about allegations that Ms. Nandutu dealt with suspicious property connected to the mishandling of iron sheets designated for the needy in Karamoja. Justice Jane Kajuga of the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo has rescheduled the hearing for November 6. This delay comes as the state attorney handling the case is unable to attend due to a personal accident.
Justice Kajuga stated, “Considering the circumstances surrounding the state attorney’s absence, the adjournment is justified. The case will reconvene on November 6, and the accused’s bail is extended until then.”
Nandutu’s lawyer, Caleb Alaka, did not oppose the adjournment. He expressed readiness to proceed but understood the situation faced by the state attorney.
According to court records, the prosecution claims that between June and July 2022, Ms. Nandutu was involved with government property, specifically 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets marked as “Office of the Prime Minister.” These iron sheets were found in the Office of the Prime Minister’s stores in Namanve and Kkola Cell, Bulwanyi Parish, Mukono District.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) argues that these iron sheets might have been acquired through the misappropriation of public property, a violation under Section 10(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009, as amended.
In a previous court session, two witnesses, including the minister’s political assistant, Ms. Evelyn Bazibu, and Mr. Geoffrey Sseremba, the undersecretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), testified against Ms. Nandutu.