Former Karamoja Minister Agnes Nandutu Convicted in Iron Sheets Theft Case

The Anti-Corruption Court in Uganda convicted former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, on charges of dealing with suspect property. This stems from the diversion of 2,000 iron sheets allocated for vulnerable communities under the Karamoja Community Empowerment Program.

Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga ruled that Nandutu had ample reason to suspect the sheets were corruptly obtained. The materials were stored at her private farm for months rather than distributed as intended.

Nandutu claimed the sheets were for landslide victims in her Bududa constituency, citing instructions from senior minister Mary Goretti Kitutu. However, the court dismissed this due to no formal requests, allocations, or documentation supporting the diversion.

Prosecution evidence showed the sheets, marked for ‘vulnerable persons,’ were received in June 2022, held by a political assistant, then moved to her farm. Witnesses confirmed no legitimate transfer to Bududa occurred.

The judge debunked defense arguments of political sidelining and ‘bad blood’ with Kitutu, noting Nandutu’s access to ministry budgets and operations. Storing the sheets privately for months was deemed unjustifiable for urgent disaster aid.

Court assessors had previously recommended conviction. Nandutu was remanded to Luzira Prison pending sentencing on April 10, 2026.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)