The Agnes Nandutu iron sheets controversy takes a new turn. The former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs defended her actions before the Anti-Corruption Court. Nandutu maintains that she intended the 2,000 iron sheets to help landslide victims in Bududa District. She denies personal gain.
Agnes Nandutu appeared before Justice Jane Kajuga to present her unsworn defense. Criminal summons on July 9 required this court appearance. The former minister emphasized that people misunderstood her actions. She acted in good faith to support vulnerable communities that natural disasters affected.
“I felt happy to receive the iron sheets because back home, people were homeless. Landslides forced them to stay in churches. Schools suffered damage. I took them hoping they would help my people,” Nandutu testified during court proceedings.
The Agnes Nandutu iron sheets case stems from allegations. Government officials allegedly misappropriated relief materials that Karamoja region should have received. However, Nandutu’s defense centers on her claim. She says authorities legitimately allocated the materials to Bududa District. Landslide devastation left many residents homeless.
Nandutu’s testimony reveals the controversy began in mid-2022. Then-Senior Minister for Karamoja Affairs Mary Goretti Kitutu summoned her to accompany a trip. Despite ongoing treatment for blood clots in her lungs, Agnes Nandutu traveled to attend a presidential event. She observed goats and iron sheets at this event. These items targeted the Karachunas—formerly armed youth undergoing rehabilitation.
The former minister told the court she knew nothing about the planning details. Ministry officer Peter Amadio taught her about the items. “I did not know where the goats and iron sheets came from. Someone told me they were part of the Karachuna project,” she testified.
After the trip, Kitutu allegedly informed Agnes Nandutu about an allocation. Bududa received 2,000 iron sheets due to landslide devastation. She served as the political head of Bugisu region. This role required her to ensure proper distribution of relief materials to affected communities.
The Agnes Nandutu iron sheets distribution process faced several challenges. These challenges contributed to the current legal proceedings. Nandutu delegated her assistant, Evelyn Bazibu, to collect the materials. The assistant collected them from Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) stores. Workers then transported the iron sheets to Kampala for verification. After verification, they moved them to Bududa District.
However, the distribution process experienced significant delays. Nandutu’s poor health condition caused delays. The administrative requirement to compile a proper list of beneficiaries also delayed the process. “I never sold or misused a single sheet,” the former minister emphasized during her court appearance.
The situation became complicated when reports emerged. Some of the Agnes Nandutu iron sheets appeared in neighboring Manafwa District. This discovery led to increased scrutiny. It eventually contributed to the corruption allegations she now faces.
The iron sheets scandal intensified when Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja summoned ministers for explanations, and Kitutu allegedly blamed a drunken relative for the distribution mix-up. The controversy reached new heights when Agnes Nandutu’s name appeared on a list of high-profile recipients, raising questions about the intended purpose of the materials.
“I saw my assistant’s voucher in the media. The sheets were now being claimed as meant for Karamoja,” Nandutu told the court, highlighting the confusion surrounding the iron sheets allocation and distribution process.
At a follow-up meeting at OPM, many ministers reportedly explained how they had used their allocated iron sheets to benefit their respective communities. Agnes Nandutu similarly explained that her delay was due to ongoing verification processes required for proper distribution.
Following President Yoweri Museveni’s directive that all recipients should return or pay for the iron sheets, Agnes Nandutu deposited money equivalent to those allegedly missing from her allocation. This action demonstrates her willingness to comply with government directives while maintaining her innocence regarding the corruption allegations.
The former minister contested police claims that more than 300 iron sheets were missing from her farm, arguing that the counting was conducted in her absence and without her farm manager present. This dispute over the actual number of missing materials remains a contentious issue in the ongoing case.
Throughout her testimony, Agnes Nandutu portrayed herself as a first-time minister caught in a dysfunctional system and complex political dynamics. Her defense emphasizes the challenges faced by new ministers in navigating bureaucratic processes while attempting to serve their constituencies effectively.
“I was not given a chance, but I did what I could under very difficult circumstances to help my people,” Nandutu concluded her testimony, highlighting the systemic issues that may have contributed to the current controversy.
The Agnes Nandutu iron sheets case reflects broader challenges within Uganda’s governance system, particularly regarding the distribution of relief materials and the accountability mechanisms for government officials. Her testimony reveals the complex interplay between political responsibility, administrative procedures, and community service obligations.
Agnes Nandutu faces charges of dealing with suspect property in connection with the iron sheets controversy. The Anti-Corruption Court’s proceedings represent a significant test of Uganda’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability among government officials.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing, allowing both the prosecution and defense to prepare additional evidence and arguments. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for how similar corruption allegations are handled in the future and could influence public trust in government institutions.
The Agnes Nandutu iron sheets case continues to attract public attention as Ugandans closely monitor the judicial process and its potential impact on government accountability. The former minister’s defense strategy focuses on demonstrating good faith intentions while highlighting systemic challenges that may have contributed to the current legal situation.
As proceedings continue, the court will need to carefully examine the evidence presented by both sides to determine whether Agnes Nandutu’s actions constituted criminal behavior or were legitimate efforts to serve her constituency during a humanitarian crisis. The case serves as an important reminder of the need for clear procedures and oversight mechanisms in the distribution of government resources and relief materials.
READ: Iron Sheet Scandal: Legal Battles and Demands for Accountability Rock the Government
