Agnes Nandutu, who recently served as the Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, has publicly appealed to President Museveni, expressing her sincere request for forgiveness for any errors she might have made during her tenure. Despite her removal from the Cabinet, Nandutu has assured the public that her loyalty to the NRM Party remains steadfast.
Addressing journalists at a press conference held in Parliament, Nandutu’s plea for forgiveness comes in the wake of her replacement in the recent cabinet reshuffle initiated by President Museveni. This move coincides with ongoing legal proceedings against Nandutu, who faces allegations of corruption related to the misappropriation of iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja sub-region.
During the press conference, Nandutu expressed her heartfelt plea, stating, “I sincerely ask the President for forgiveness where I have erred. Although I will be transitioning from the front bench to the back bench, my commitment to serving this government diligently remains unchanged. As the Woman MP for Bududa, I will continue to serve the NRM Party and support our President.”
Drawing an analogy to teamwork, Nandutu emphasized that her change in role does not diminish her allegiance to the NRM Party. She affirmed, “Just as in any team, leaving the field and moving to the bench doesn’t mean one is no longer part of the team. I am a proud member of the NRM team, the winning team, and I will continue to support them from a different position. I am content with serving from the back bench.”
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve at the highest echelons of government, Nandutu extended her thanks to President Museveni. “I am deeply thankful to the President for the chance he bestowed upon me to serve as a Cabinet Minister. While many may have doubted my abilities, President Museveni recognized my potential and appointed me as one of the top 100 influential individuals in this country. I have dedicated myself to serving our nation to the best of my abilities,” she acknowledged.
Despite the challenges she faced during her tenure, Nandutu remains convinced that she made a positive impact in the areas where she served, albeit constrained by various obstacles.
State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Ms. Agnes Nandutu, found herself at the center of legal proceedings as she appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo, Kampala on April 19, 2023. Her appearance followed her arrest in connection with the alleged diversion of iron sheets intended as relief items for the people of the turbulent Karamoja sub-region.
Charged with dealing with suspect property, as per section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 (As Amended), Nandutu’s legal journey took a significant turn as the court opted to commit her to the High Court for trial. This decision came after the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo, Kampala, declined to entertain her bail application earlier in April 2023.
The charges against Nandutu are deeply concerning, implicating her in actions that allegedly diverted essential resources from vulnerable communities. Such allegations not only undermine public trust but also raise serious questions about the ethical conduct expected of public officials entrusted with serving their communities.
Following her commitment to trial, Nandutu’s legal predicament has taken a consequential turn, marking a significant chapter in her career and public service.
Meanwhile, Nandutu’s removal from the Cabinet nearly a year later underscores the political ramifications of her legal entanglements. The decision to drop her from her ministerial position is linked the ripple effects of allegations of corruption and misconduct within government ranks.
President Museveni went on record to proclaim “heads will roll” following the iron sheets scandal and controversy. It appears they have, so far in the case of the ex minister Nandutu.
