Politics 10 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ex-Minister Nandutu Apologizes for Iron Sheets Scandal as Court Delays Sentencing
Former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu has expressed remorse to the government and Karamoja residents for her involvement in the iron sheets scandal, claiming she was misled. The Anti-Corruption Court stood over her sentencing to later Friday after prosecutors pushed for a five-year jail term in this landmark case. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-i-was-misled-ex-minister-nandutu-apologises-to-govt-as-court-stands-over-her-sentence--5418868
Former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu apologized to the government, Karamoja communities, and the nation during her mitigation hearing at the Anti-Corruption Court. She faces up to seven years in prison for dealing with suspect property linked to the diversion of 2,000 iron sheets meant for vulnerable households in Karamoja.
Prosecutors, led by Chief State Attorney Innocent Aleto, urged Judge Jane Kajuga to impose a five-year custodial sentence to set a precedent. They stressed that parliamentarians and ministers must adhere to the law, marking this as the first conviction under the offense.
In her plea for leniency, Nandutu highlighted her role as the sole breadwinner for nine school-going children, orphans, and an 80-year-old ailing mother. She also cited serious health issues, including blood clots in her lungs causing collapses.
‘I was misled into this offence,’ Nandutu stated emotionally. She noted returning the iron sheets upon realizing their intended purpose and compensating for those lost in police custody.
The court, which convicted her on Wednesday and remanded her to Luzira Prison, deferred sentencing to 3pm Friday.
Source: Daily Monitor