KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Ms Joan Aciro has denied bail to embattled Karamoja Minister Dr Mary Goretti Kitutu Kimono over unsubstantial sureties.
The Minister was last week remanded to Luzira Prison on charges of causing loss of public property, corruption, and conspiracy to defraud the government.
State prosecution contends that Dr Kitutu allegedly diverted iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people in Karamoja to her own benefit and to the benefit of third parties, having reason to believe that such an act would result in the loss of public property.
On the other count, the minister is charged with causing the loss of public property worth 5,500 iron sheets.
Under the charge of conspiracy to defraud, the minister is said to have used her office and position to conspire to defraud beneficiaries under the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme of 9,000 pre-painted iron sheets between June 2022 and January 2023.
Kitutu is charged alongside his brother Michael Naboya who is accused of receiving stolen property (100 pre-coated iron sheets from OPM) which he was caught selling in Naminsidwa district in February this year.
If convicted of the charges, Kitutu could spend at least 10 years in prison.
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