Kitutu's Iron Sheets Trial Set for November Pre-Hearing

The Anti-Corruption Court has scheduled November 4, 2026, for the pre-trial hearing of former Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu and her co-accused. The case revolves around allegations of diverting 14,500 iron sheets meant for vulnerable populations in the Karamoja region.

Justice David Makumbi set the date after Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya confirmed the prosecution’s readiness to proceed. The proceedings were delayed for nearly two years due to an appeal filed by Kitutu, which has now been dismissed.

Kitutu faces charges including causing loss of public property and conspiracy to defraud. She is accused of involvement in the diversion of 9,000 and 5,500 iron sheets, respectively. Her aide, Joshua Abaho, is charged with conspiracy, while her brother, Michael Naboya, faces a charge of receiving 100 iron sheets illicitly.

The alleged offences occurred between June 2022 and January 2023. The prosecution contends that the iron sheets, procured under the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme, were diverted from their intended beneficiaries.

Kitutu and her co-accused have denied the charges and are currently out on bail. The case’s resumption follows the Court of Appeal’s September 18, 2026 decision, which upheld a lower court’s ruling against Kitutu’s attempt to consolidate or invalidate two separate criminal proceedings against her.

The Court of Appeal determined that the cases involved distinct allegations, periods, co-accused, and evidentiary requirements, thus justifying separate prosecutions. The first case, now proceeding, focuses on the iron sheet diversion, while a second, separate case involves alleged mismanagement of supplementary funds for Karamoja.

This case is a significant part of the broader Karamoja iron sheets scandal. Previously, former state minister Agnes Nandutu was convicted and sentenced in a related matter, while charges against state minister Amos Lugoloobi were withdrawn. Kitutu remains a key figure facing prosecution in this scandal.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/kitutus-iron-sheets-trial-set-for-november-4