Hon. Nandutu Agness, Woman MP for Bududa and former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, has been convicted for dealing with suspect government property. Court cancelled her bail and ordered that she be remanded to Luzira Prison until Friday, when she will return for sentencing. The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court delivered its judgment […]
Hon. Nandutu Agness, Woman MP for Bududa and former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, has been convicted for dealing with suspect government property.
Court cancelled her bail and ordered that she be remanded to Luzira Prison until Friday, when she will return for sentencing. The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court delivered its judgment on the iron sheets case.
Speaking at Wandegeya Court, Jacquelyn Akol, spokesperson for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), described the conviction as a “huge win not just for the ODPP, but for the Karamoja community, the government, and Uganda’s justice system.”
She stressed that “any individual, regardless of status or public office, is not above the law.”
She said: “The conviction of Honorable Nandutu sends a very strong and necessary message that any individual, regardless of status and public office, is not above the law. The Office of the DPP welcomes the decision of the court as an affirmation of accountability, integrity and the rule of the law.
We hope that this message is a deterrent message to others in public offices to desist from corrupt practices.”
The case concerns allegations that she received or dealt with about 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja, which prosecutors say were irregularly obtained government relief items.
The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, led by Hon. Lady Justice Jane Okuo, found that between June and July 2022, Hon. Nandutu received and retained 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets marked “Office of the Prime Minister” at her Mukono residence. The iron sheets were part of a government programme worth approximately UGX 39.94 billion, aimed at supporting disarmament and community empowerment in Karamoja.
Evidence revealed that Hon. Nandutu facilitated the collection and transport of the iron sheets, storing them under her authority. During investigations in March 2023, she led police investigators to her farm, where 1,617 iron sheets were recovered, leaving 383 unaccounted for.
Akol stated that this conviction is a clear deterrent message to other public officials and reaffirms the commitment of the ODPP to investigate and prosecute corruption without fear or favor.
Hon. Nandutu’s bail has been cancelled, with sentencing scheduled for 10th April 2026.
The case was prosecuted by David Bisamunyu, Chief State Attorney, and Innocent Aleto, Senior State Attorney at the ODPP.
“This is an affirmation of accountability, integrity, and the rule of law. Let this serve as a warning that illicit dealings will have firm legal consequences.” Akol added.
