The Anti-Corruption court has today further remanded the state minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu to Luzira Prison until tomorrow May 4, for bail ruling.
Nandutu who is also the Bududa Woman MP appeared is accused of diverting iron sheets meant for the people of Karamoja. She had presented three sureties before the Court that sat in Kampala including Hon. Nandala Mafabi but the state prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Muwaganya objected to her release on bail saying the former journalist had disappeared before she handed herself to police for interrogation.
Muwaganya added that when Nandutu was summoned by police, she abandoned her home and as of April 15th, 2023 all her three known phones were switched off , a search at both her home and farm and non of her bodyguards knew where she was hiding.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day court set May 25, 2023, as a hearing date of Nandutu’s corruption case.
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.
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 indictment 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.
