Iron sheets scandal: Enanga says police waiting on DPP orders to charge next suspects

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga Monday said the team investigating theft and diversion of iron sheets meant for Karamoja has almost finalised its scope of investigations and are only waiting for orders from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) on whom to charge next before court.

“Several case files were submitted with findings to the office of the DPP. We have about two to three witnesses who have to record statements so that we can track a few leads which are significant in the remaining inquiries,” Mr Enanga said.

“We are now waiting for DPP to evaluate the evidence on the remaining case files and come up with appropriate conclusions that will guide our next course of action,” he added.

Enanga said of the files submitted to the DPP, about three or four ministers are in queue to be summoned for recording their statements on the scandal that has so far seen four people including three ministers charged with theft and corruption before the Anti Corruption Court in Kololo.

The four so far charged include the Minister for Karamoja Affairs Dr Mary Goretti Kitutu and her brother Mr Michael Naboya Kitutu, the State Minister Ms Agnes Nandutu and the Minister of State for Planning, Mr Amos Lugoloobi.

The Police spokesperson further explained that some of the case files like the one Ms Nandutu are 100% complete and this explains why she was committed for high court trial last week.

Nandutu who is currently remanded detained at Luzira Prison will appear before the high court on May 3, 2023, after she pleaded not guilty to the charge of dealing with suspect property in connection with the mismanagement of Karamoja iron sheets.

At least 20 ministers and about 35 legislators are facing the heat over the Karamoja irons sheets, with government struggling to save face over the scandal.

A number of senior ministers, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and finance minister, Matia Kasaija are among the most senior ministers to have received the iron sheets.

In December 2021, Parliament passed a supplementary budget worth 39 billion Shillings to support various programs in Karamoja, including the purchase of 100,000 iron sheets, which are alleged to have been diverted.

Last month, the Karamoja Parliamentary group formally wrote to the Clerk of Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, notifying him of their intent to file a notice of motion for the censure of Minister Kitutu.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni days later directed the CID and the State House Anti-corruption Unit to jointly carry out investigations into the scandal, with the suspects recording statements at CID before the DPP took over the charges.