The anticipated trial involving Agnes Nandutu, the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, and her alleged involvement in the iron sheets scandal did not proceed as scheduled.
The hearing, which was set to take place before Anti-Corruption Court Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga on Thursday, was unable to proceed due to the unavailability of Nandutu’s lead lawyer, Caleb Alaka, who was unwell.
Consequently, the case has been adjourned, and the trial is now expected to commence on June 16, 2023.
The prosecution team, headed by Chief State Attorney David Bisamunyu and Jonathan Muwaganya from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, expressed their disappointment as this was the second time they had prepared their witnesses to present their case against the accused minister. However, the defense was not prepared to proceed.
According to the prosecution, Nandutu is charged with dealing with suspect property, specifically 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets gauge 28.
The allegation is that she knowingly engaged with these iron sheets, which were obtained through the loss of public property, thereby violating Section 10 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2000.