Baptized with Fire: Minister Nandutu’s Testimony
Agnes Nandutu addressed journalists after the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo, Kampala committed her to High Court. She stated that she was firm, but protested how her case was handled.
“I acknowledge that I have been baptized by fire. I am strong. However, why to commit me to High Court for trial when the lower court (Anti-Corruption) has the authority to handle this case? “, the Bududa Woman MP asked in a brief statement to journalists after grade one magistrate Esther Asiimwe committed her to High Court for trial.
Yesterday, Ms. Nandutu voluntarily surrendered to police for questioning about the Karamoja iron sheets scandal. The scandal has President Museveni’s administration scrambling to save face.
On Wednesday, the Anti-Corruption Court arraigned her for dealing with suspect property in violation of section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 (as amended).
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Ms. Nandutu denied the charges before state prosecutor David Bisamuyu informed the court that the police investigation was complete.
Despite Ms. Nandutu’s not-guilty plea, Mr. Bisamuyu said the DPP had ordered him to send her to High Court.
“The DPP has instructed me to transfer the suspect to the High Court for trial. The committal papers are before you, my lord,” he stated before the reading of the indictment and the magistrate’s announcement that the minister had been committed for trial.
Ms. Asiimwe denied Ms. Nandutu’s bail application because she lacked the authority to do so.
She was remanded to Luzira Prison until May 3, 2023, when she will appear in court to discuss the case.
The former television journalist is the third minister charged in connection with the scandal.
The Anti-Corruption Court also charged Karamoja Minister Mary Gorreti Kitutu and State Minister for Finance (Planning) Amos Lugolobi with corruption and causing government loss after iron sheets meant for relief were diverted and distributed among several MPs, ministers, and technocrats.
Involved in the scandal are at least 20 ministers and approximately 35 legislators from across the nation.
The vice president, prime minister Robinah Nabbanja, parliament speaker Anita Among, and finance minister Matia Kasaija received iron sheets.
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