Nandutu fails to defend herself in iron sheets case

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The Anti-Corruption Court has decided to facilitate the medical examination of ex-state minister for Karamoja affairs Agnes Nandutu, who is accused of diverting some of the iron sheets that were meant for the vulnerable communities in the Karamoja sub-region, to ascertain whether she is fit to stand trial.

Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga reached the decision on Monday, April 14, 2025, after Nandutu, also the Bududa Woman MP, declined to defend herself, citing illness.

“The court directs Mulago National Referral Hospital or Nakasero Hospital to investigate and submit a report on the accused’s medical condition to inform the court whether she is fit to stand trial,” Justice Kajuga ordered.

Kajuga said the medical examination on Nandutu will be facilitated by the court.

Nandutu has on three occasions evaded court, claiming that she is still undergoing treatment for an ailment causing difficulty in breathing and walking.

However, when she appeared in court on Monday, her lawyer Charles Nanda still told the court that they were not ready to proceed because they had not had time to discuss the case with his client.

Consequently, the judge gave them two hours to prepare themselves. However, when court resumed at 1:30pm, Nanda told the court that they were unable to finalise trial preparations because Nandutu needed to rest as recommended by her doctors.

Asked by the judge whether she is not faking illness to delay her trial, Nandutu, in her usual soft voice, said, “I am really sick, my lord, and my sickness is not like malaria, and because of its persistence, the medication was changed. I have been weak, as you can see, my lord, but as you may be aware, matters of health cannot be discussed in public,” Nandutu said.

She added, “My lord, I am seeking you to give me an opportunity as a lady to show up when I am fine, because even if my lawyers are ready to proceed, my lord, I cannot proceed. I pray that I finish up my medication, which will be done within five days, and I will be going back for review.”

Following the development, the judge adjourned the matter to May 5 this year.

On January 10 this year, the court ordered Nandutu to defend herself in relation to the charges, saying she has a case to answer.

Justice Kajuga stated that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring Nandutu to defend herself.

When a court finds that an accused has a case to answer, it means the prosecution has adduced cogent evidence which a reasonable tribunal, if no evidence to the contrary is adduced, would convict the accused person.

The charges

The prosecution led by Chief State Attorney, David Bisamunyu, alleges that Nandutu between June and July 2022 at the office of the Prime Minister stores in Namanve and in Khola cell, Bulwanyi parish in Mukono district, dealt with 2000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 marked ‘Office of the Prime Minister’ by receiving and holding the items which she had reasons to believe were acquired as a result of loss of public property, an offence under section 10(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.

Under section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, the offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years on conviction.

In 2023, New Vision broke the story of the diversion of the iron sheets that were meant for the vulnerable communities in Karamoja region. Consequently, several ministers were probed and three of them including Nandutu, were arraigned in court.

Others facing similar charges include ex-Minister for Karamoja affairs Mary Gorretti Kitutu and state minister for finance Amos Lugoloobi.