By Maria Nakitende
Kampala-Uganda
The theft of Karamoja’s iron sheets has become a thorn in the flesh of those who were involved in the massive tactful heist.
In the latest development, three ministers have been remanded for their involvement in the theft, prompting the public to demand swift action against all those implicated in the scandal.
The most recent is Agnes Nandutu, the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, who was Wednesday produced in the Anti-Corruption Court in relation to the iron sheets scandal.
Nandutu was remanded to Luzira Prison after spending a night at Kira Division Police in Wakiso District. The accused minister (Nandutu) will sleep in the coolers there until May 3, 2023.
She follows Mary Gorreti Kitutu Kimono, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, and Amos Lugoloobi, the State Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, who were also charged in the same court for alleged diversion of the iron sheets.
The trio is among the 66 suspects accused of diverting iron sheets intended for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Program.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) claims they were investigating 22 Ministers, 31 legislators (MPs), and 13 Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) regarding the iron sheets scandal.
Despite calls for dismissal and prosecution all those involved, it remains to be seen if justice will be served for the stolen iron sheets and the intended beneficiaries who were left without this vital resource.
The celebrated minister was Wednesday charged with one count of dealing with the suspicious property before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe, who heard that Nandutu received and held onto 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets Gauge 28 at the Office of the Prime Minister’s Stores in Namanve and Kkola Cell Bulwanyi Parish Mukono District in June 2022.
As per the prosecution’s statement, Nandutu was aware that the iron sheets were obtained through the loss of public property, which is a violation of section 10 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2000, as amended.
However, the minister refuted the charges. The prosecution team, led by David Bisamunyu and Jonathan Muwaganya, confirmed that the investigation into the matter is complete and urged the court to transfer the case to the High Court for trial.
The case summary revealed that the iron sheets were purchased but reportedly ended up in the possession of third parties, including Minister for Karamoja Affairs Mary Gorreti Kitutu Kimono and her aide Joshua Abaho, instead of being used for their intended purpose.
However, the presiding magistrate (Asiimwe) referred the case to the High Court for trial. Nandutu’s legal team, led by Charles Nandaah Wamukoota, Humphrey Tumwesigye, and John Nalera, expressed their intention to apply for bail on behalf of their client.
Despite the law providing for a speedy trial for accused individuals, Nandutu’s lawyers, in rare circumstances, complained that the investigation process was completed hastily with the intention of denying their client bail.
However, Jacquelyn Okui, the spokesperson for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that the implicated individuals’ files will be submitted in stages by the investigating Police.
Regarding the same, controversial lawyer Male Mabirizi lodged a petition with the Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday.
He seeks a declaration that the investigations, arrests, detentions, and subsequent prosecutions of the Speaker, Vice President, Ministers, and Members of Parliament implicated in the scandal are illegal.
Mabirizi further contends that they should not be held criminally liable since the accounting officers should be held responsible instead.
He also argues that the gradual investigations, arrests, detentions, and prosecutions violate the right to a fair trial and legal representation.
His case is scheduled for a hearing on May 22, 2023, before Justice Lawrence Gidudu. However, concerned citizens have appealed to the government not to be selective in the matter.
They have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to remove all ministers implicated in the abuse of office and appoint new ones, viewing it as a significant stride towards fighting corruption in Uganda.
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