KAMPALA – The Anti-Corruption Court has postponed the trial of former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agness Nandutu, who is facing charges related to the alleged illegal possession of government iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja. The trial, initially scheduled for this week, will now proceed on June 12, 2025.
The adjournment was granted by Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, following a request from Nandutu’s lawyer, Evans Ochieng. In court on Monday, Ochieng cited a recent family tragedy affecting his client, including the deaths of Nandutu’s father, Nathan Kusolo, and her sister, both of whom passed away within the same week. He requested additional time for her to grieve and recover.
The request was not opposed by State Attorney David Bisamunyu, who also noted that a court-ordered medical examination for Nandutu had not been conducted due to administrative delays. The examination is intended to assess whether Nandutu is medically fit to stand trial.
Justice Kajuga allowed both the adjournment and the extension for the medical examination, stressing the need for procedural fairness and acknowledging the emotional toll of Nandutu’s bereavement. The examination will now be carried out at Mulago National Referral Hospital before the next hearing date.
Although Nandutu did not appear in court, her surety, Bududa District LC5 Chairperson Kamoti Milton Wasunguyi, was present during the session.
Nandutu is accused of dealing in suspect property, contrary to Section 10 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009. The prosecution alleges that between June and July 2022, she unlawfully received 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets designated for development efforts in the Karamoja sub-region. Detective Superintendent of Police Winfred Nakatudde previously testified that 1,617 of the iron sheets were recovered from Nandutu’s farm in Mukono, with 383 reportedly unaccounted for.
This case is part of a broader investigation into the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, which has implicated several high-profile government officials. Minister for Economic Planning Amos Lugoloobi is also facing related charges, with his case set to resume in May. Former Minister Mary Gorreti Kitutu’s trial remains on hold pending an appeal over alleged torture while in state custody. Kitutu is additionally accused of failing to implement peace-building activities in Karamoja, causing a financial loss of Shs1.5 billion to the government.
Nandutu becomes the second minister to be formally charged with corruption in the scandal, as the government intensifies efforts to hold public officials accountable for misuse of resources intended for vulnerable populations.
