FORMER MINISTER OF STATE IN CHARGE OF KARAMOJA AFFAIRS AGNES NANDUTU REMANDED FOR IRON SHEET SAGA. -

By Otai James

The Anti Corruption in Kampala has convicted former state Minister for Karamoja affairs Agnes Nandutu for dealing with suspects after she diverted thousands of roofing sheets intended for vulnerable communities in Karamojong.

Former Bududa Mp and forner Bududa Mp and former NTV Juornalist Agnes Nandutu was found guility on 8/4/2026,puting and end to her prosecution trial which has dragged for more than 3 years,after she first appeared in court on 19/4/2026

Former Minister Nandutu knowingly received and retained government property that was not lawfully allocated to her and which she had reason to believe had been irregularly diverted from a public programme intended for vulnerable beneficiaries.

Nandutu was charged with dealing with suspect government property (contrary to Section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act) for her role in receiving and holding 2,000 iron sheets.

Prosecutors allege that in June and July 2022, Nandutu received the sheets,which were stored at her farm in Mukono District.

While some were recovered,383 sheets remained missing,and she was accused of failing to account for them.

Nandutu pleaded not guilty, claiming she was a “political newcomer” not properly guided by senior officials, specifically blaming former Minister for Karamoja Affairs Mary Goretti Kitutu for failing to guide her.

She alleged she was kept out of key ministry activities but claimed the sheets were meant for disaster victims in her constituency.

Conviction

In April 2026, court assessors advised the judge to convict Nandutu, stating she had failed to prove the iron sheets were used for the intended beneficiaries and did not establish a formal requisition, noting she “dealt with” suspect property.

The judgment for the case was set for April 8, 2026.

The case saw several interruptions due to health issues, resulting in the court ordering an independent medical check from Mulago Hospital in 2025 to verify her fitness to stand trial.

Nandutu is one of several high-ranking officials implicated, including Mary Goretti Kitutu and Amos Lugoloobi, in the broader scandal involving the theft of relief items meant for the Karamoja sub-region