The Uganda Police is in its final stages of concluding investigations into the theft and diversion of iron sheets meant for reformed warriors in the Karamoja sub-region.
In March 2023, the President ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) to work jointly with State House Anti -Corruption Unit in investigating the iron sheets scandal.
Police Spokesman Fred Enanga told journalists on Monday that the taskforce handling the matter has submitted a number of case files with findings to the DPP and await the next course of action.
He says they have only three pending witnesses expected to report to the CID.
“The task team has almost finalized its scope of investigations,. Some of the case files were submitted to the ODPP and we only have two or three witnesses who have to report statements and also for us to fast track a few leads which are significant in the remaining requirements.” says Enanga
He further explains that some of the case files are already complete and ready for trial like the one of jailed State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Hon. Agnes Nandutu.
“We are now waiting for the DPP to evaluate the evidence on remaining case files and come up with appropriate conclusions that will guide our next course of action,” he adds.
Nandutu was last week charged with dealing with suspect property before the Anti corruption court presided over by Justice Esther Assimwe.
The State alleged between the month of June 2022 at the Office of the Prime Minister(OPM) stores in Namave and Kola cell, Bulwanyi Parish Mukono municipality, Agnes dealt with government property to wit 2000 pre-painted iron sheets of Gauge 28 by receiving and holding the said public property which is an offense.
The State informed court how investigations are done and ready to commit Hon.Agnes Nandutu to the High Court.
She was remanded to Luzira until May 03rd , 2023 because the Anti-corruption court had no jurisdiction to grant bail.
The Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Gorreti Kitutu and brother Michael Naboya also appeared before the Anti corruption Court and were charged with loss of public property, conspiracy to defraud and theft of government property respectively.
At least 20 ministers and about 35 legislators across the country are under fire over the Karamoja irons sheet theft and diversion. Among them include; Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the speaker of Parliament Anita Among and the finance minister, Matia Kasaija are among the most senior ministers to have received the iron sheets.
