Editorial
Former Karamoja Affairs Minister Agnes Nandutu has been sentenced to four years in prison over her involvement in the government iron sheets scandal.
The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court , earlier today found her guilty of illegally possessing iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
Trial judge Jane Okuo ruled that the time Nandutu spent on remand will be deducted from her sentence.
In addition to the prison term, she has been barred from holding public office for ten years, with the court citing the seriousness of the offence and its impact on intended beneficiaries.
Court heard that Nandutu received 2,000 iron sheets from the Office of the Prime Minister in 2022, knowing or having reason to believe they had been irregularly obtained.
The materials were part of a government programme funded under a supplementary budget to support disarmament and livelihoods in the Karamoja sub-region.
Investigations later recovered 1,617 iron sheets from her property, while she failed to account for the remaining 383.
During mitigation, Nandutu apologised to the people of Karamoja and asked for forgiveness, citing ill health and family responsibilities, but the prosecution opposed a lighter sentence, arguing the offence was premeditated.
The court has also ordered that all recovered iron sheets be returned to government.
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