Politics 11 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Ex-Minister Agnes Nandutu Sentenced to 4 Years in Jail for Iron Sheets Theft
Uganda's Anti-Corruption Court has imprisoned former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu for four years over the misappropriation of iron sheets meant for vulnerable Karamoja residents. Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga also disqualified her from public office for 10 years, citing betrayal of public trust. Source: https://observer.ug/news/court-jails-ex-minister-nandutu-for-four-years-over-iron-sheets-theft
The Anti-Corruption Court in Uganda has handed down a four-year prison sentence to Agnes Nandutu, the former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs and Bududa Woman MP, for stealing iron sheets designated as relief supplies.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga delivered the verdict, stressing that Nandutu abused her high-trust roles in government and parliament. The court additionally banned her from public office for a decade, derailing her political path.
The scandal involved 2,000 iron sheets from a 10,000-sheet batch aimed at reformed Karachuna warriors and elderly people in Karamoja to promote disarmament and peace. Only 1,000 sheets reached the intended recipients.
Kajuga highlighted aggravating elements, including Nandutu’s abuse of authority for personal benefit and the theft of vital aid from a needy population. These outweighed mitigating pleas like her status as a first offender, single mother of seven, and family caregiver.
Despite Nandutu’s apology, return of the sheets, and compensation for shortages, the judge rejected a fine substitute, calling the maximum Shs 3.2 million penalty too lenient for such a grave crime.
The ruling follows the 2013 Constitution Sentencing Guidelines and underscores efforts to curb diversion of public resources.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)