9,000 iron sheets recovered from ministers in Karamoja loot

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has revealed that a total of 9,335 iron sheets have been recovered from ministers involved in the mismanagement and diversion of iron sheets and other relief materials meant for Karamoja.

It should be remembered that the  office of  Director Public Prosecution (ODPP), Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and State House Anti-corruption Unit (SHACU) in March this year commenced investigations into the alleged mismanagement and diversion of iron sheets and other relief meant for Karamoja Community Empowerment Program at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM)

The matter attracted a national wide uproar with Ugandans calling for immediate government intervention.

“In one case file involving Hon. Mary Kitutu Goretti, charges of loss of property, corruption and receiving stolen property were sanctioned against the minister and two others. In another case involving Hon Lugolobi Amos, the charge of dealing with suspect property was charged against the minister and Hon Agnes Nandutu was also charged in another case file with dealing with suspect property”, Jacqueline Okui the ODPP Public Relations Officer said.

She further stated that seventeen case files have been closed and put away due to insufficiency of evidence but in considering the blameworthiness of the suspects, a number of factors were put into account including circumstances under which iron sheets were received, the manner in use of iron sheets upon receipt and refunds made in kind and cash.

Ms Okui noted that 6,100 iron sheets have been refunded in kind, 1,000 paid in cash and 2,295 recovered from suspect’s homes but about 5,105 are yet to be recovered from the suspects.