Nandutu freed on bail, date to commence her trial set

State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, has been granted bail by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Kampala.

The court sitting on Thursday in Kampala was presided over by Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga.

While in court, Justice Okuo stressed that no proof was provided to dispute the author of the medical report not being a medical doctor and on this ground, there was no reason to reject the medical report.

“Evidence has been provided to show that Nandutu is sickly with a likelihood of the sickness worsening and hence the prison authorities have not shown any proof that they can handle her sickness,” she said.

On this note, Justice Kajuga also clarified that the Nandutu is medically ill and under treatment to avoid the reoccurrence of a blood clot.

The Justice added that no medical report from any other medical personnel was tendered to dispute this.

The judge also dismissed the fears of the DPP that Nandutu is likely to abscond once granted bail basing the assertion on claims that when she learnt of police summons she went into hiding.

Justice Okuo explained that whereas it is true that the police found difficulty in looking for Nandutu, this is not proof that she was in hiding.

She, therefore, noted that she is not a flight risk as had been said by the DPP’s representatives but was quick to add that any fear of escaping can only be erased by imposing stringent terms onto the minister.

Among the conditions set for Nandutu to get the basil included paying a Sh10 million cash bond whereas each of the three sureties are to pay Shs50 million non-cash.

Nandutu was also asked to deposit two titles of her land in Mukono whereas one of her sureties has also been asked to deposit the title of his land located in Namugongo.

“The accused should deposit her passport with the court and should not travel outside the jurisdiction of this court without permission,” Justice Okuo ruled.

The judge said Nandutu will report to court as directed in the main case where trial has been scheduled to kick off on May 25, 2023.

Under the charge, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) contends that during the month of June 2022, at the OPM stores Namanve, Mukono District and Kkola cell , Bulwanyi Parish in Mukono district, the minister 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 loss of public property , an offence under section 10(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009.