Ex-Minister Agnes Nandutu Convicted in Karamoja Iron Sheets Scandal, Remanded to Luzira

The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala convicted former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, on charges of dealing with suspect property linked to the Karamoja iron sheets scandal. The verdict came on April 8, 2026, after a three-year prosecution that began in 2023.

Justice Jane Kajuga ruled that Nandutu knowingly received and held 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets from Office of the Prime Minister stores in Namanve between June and July 2022. These sheets were transported to her farm in Mukono District on her instructions.

The court established that the iron sheets formed part of a 10,000-sheet consignment under the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme, aimed at supporting vulnerable residents during disarmament. Only 1,000 sheets were used as intended, with the rest diverted to non-beneficiaries, including ruling party politicians.

Nandutu’s defense that the sheets were for northern Uganda or Bududa disaster victims was rejected due to lack of supporting documents. Local authorities in Bududa confirmed they learned of the sheets only after the scandal emerged.

The judge emphasized Nandutu’s ministerial role made her aware of the sheets’ origins and irregular diversion, constituting unlawful handling of public property funded by taxpayers.

Post-conviction, the court cancelled her bail and remanded her to Luzira Prison until sentencing on April 10. This follows the withdrawal of similar charges against State Minister Amos Lugoloobi and others.

The case underscores ongoing corruption concerns in Uganda, amid low international rankings on anti-graft efforts.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)