Apologetic Nandutu jailed 4 years over Karamoja iron sheets scandal
In its ruling delivered on Friday, the court also barred Nandutu from holding public office for 10 years. She retains the right to appeal the sentence within 14 days. “I was misled into this offence. I am apologetic to the appointing authority, the people of Karamoja, and the entire country,” she said.
The Anti-Corruption Court has sentenced former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu to four years in prison over the diversion of 2,000 iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
In its ruling delivered on Friday, the court also barred Nandutu from holding public office for 10 years. She retains the right to appeal the sentence within 14 days.
Nandutu, a former journalist-turned-politician, was convicted earlier this week for illegally possessing the iron sheets, part of a government relief program intended to support disadvantaged households in the Karamoja sub-region.
Plea for Leniency
Before sentencing, Nandutu appealed for a non-custodial sentence, telling court she had been misled into committing the offence.
“I was misled into this offence. I am apologetic to the appointing authority, the people of Karamoja, and the entire country,” she said.
She added that she had returned and paid for the iron sheets, except for a portion that allegedly went missing while in police custody.
Court, however, rejected her plea and handed down a custodial sentence, underscoring the gravity of the offence and the need to deter abuse of public resources.
Wider Scandal
The case is part of a broader investigation into the diversion of government iron sheets, a scandal that has implicated several senior officials.
The Inspectorate of Government previously revealed that at least 22 ministers, 31 Members of Parliament, and 13 Chief Administrative Officers had been asked to explain their roles in the disappearance of the relief items.
The iron sheets were procured by government to assist vulnerable communities in Karamoja, one of Uganda’s most underdeveloped regions.
Accountability Signal
Legal analysts say the sentencing sends a strong signal on accountability in the management of public resources, particularly in programs targeting vulnerable populations.
Nandutu’s conviction and sentence mark one of the most high-profile outcomes in the ongoing anti-corruption crackdown linked to the Karamoja iron sheets saga.
The court is expected to formally conclude the sentencing proceedings later, as attention turns to whether the former minister will file an appeal.
Photo by Nicholas Bamulanzeki
