Agnes Nandutu Gets 4-Year Jail Term, Banned from Public Office for 10 Years

Agnes Nandutu, ex-State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, received a four-year prison sentence from the Anti-Corruption Court in Uganda. Judge Jane Kajuga handed down the ruling this afternoon, additionally barring her from public office for 10 years.

The conviction relates to the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, where Nandutu was implicated in diverting materials meant for vulnerable communities. The court mandated the return of the iron sheets to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for their original purpose.

Before sentencing, Nandutu apologized to the government and nation. She pleaded for mercy, requesting a non-custodial option due to her role as sole breadwinner for nine school-going children, orphans, and an 80-year-old ailing mother.

She highlighted her health struggles, including blood clots in her lungs causing collapses and frequent hospital visits, but the court opted for the custodial term after the prosecution sought five years.

This development marks a key outcome in efforts to combat corruption in public resource allocation.

Source: Daily Monitor