The Anti-corruption court division in Kampala has set May 25 as the day when it will start hearing of Agnes Nandutu’s case.
Nandutu who’s also the state Minister for Karamoja affairs is accussed of diverting iron sheets meant to be relief items for the vulnerable people in Karamoja sub region.
As Nandutu appeared in court on Wednesday, Lady Justice Jane Kajuga Okuo directed that the state first completes disclosure of evidence against Nandutu to her lawyers by May, 5, 2023 before trial officially kicks off on the 25th of May.
The case was adjourned to that date.
Nandutu had appeared in court for her bail hearing on grounds that it’s her constitutional right to apply for bail, adding that she is a law-abiding citizen who has been voluntarily reporting to police whenever called upon, and also suffers from severe venous insufficiency, a condition she says needs specialised medical attention.
Minister Nandutu has been on remand at Luzira prison since April 19 when the Anti- Corruption Court grade one magistrate Esther Asiimwe charged her with dealing with suspect property contrary to section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act,2009 (As Amended)
She was later committed to High Court for trial.
Asiimwe also told court that she cannot hear the Karamoja Affairs junior minister’s bail application following her commital.
This was after the State attorney, Mr David Bisamuyu told court that inquiries into the case were complete.
“I have instructions from the DPP to have the suspect committed to the High Court for trial. The committal papers are before you my lord,” he said before an indtctment was read and the minister committed.
Under the charge, the DPP contends that during the month of June 2022, at the OPM stores in Namanve, Mukono District and Kkola cell , Bulwanyi Parish in Mukono district, Nandutu dealt with 2000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 by receiving and holding the said iron sheets which she had reason to believe were acquired as a result of lose of public property , an offence under section 10(1) of the Anti Corruption Act 2009.
However, Nandutu denied the charges read to her.
“Your worship, I understand the charges but they are not correct,” she told court.
The trial magistrate later read Nandutu’s indictment to court and committed her to High court for trial .
“The accused is hereby committed for trial in the next court session,” Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe said.
