The Director of Public Prosecutions has sanctioned corruption charges against Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu over her role in the diversion of iron sheets meant for the vulnerable in Karamoja.
The Minister for Karamoja Mary Goretti Kitutu has been arraigned before the court and charged with corruption in relation to the swindling of iron sheets meant for the vulnerable in the Karamoja Sub-Region.
Kitutu appeared together with one Michael Kitutu Naboya, a relative.
The minister’s personal assistant Joshua Abaho with whom she is accused was not present in court.
The state prosecutor read charges related to loss of public property contrary to section 10(i) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 and conspiracy to defraud contrary to section 309 of the Penal Code Act.
The prosecution told the court that between the months of June 2022 and January 2023, at the Office of the Prime Minister’s stores in Namanve, Kitutu caused the government, a loss of 9000 iron sheets by diverting them from the intended purpose for her own benefit.
Kitutu’s personal assistant was also accused of corruption whereas her relative faces a charge related to receiving stolen property.
The duo denied all the charges before the trial magistrate, Joan Aciro.
The state prosecutor told the court that investigations are still ongoing
The group was represented by lawyers led by Michael Wamasebu and Jude Byamukama.
They asked the court to release the minister on bail by press time the court was still hearing the bail.
Kitutu’s woes started when some of her relatives, including her mother, were arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for being in possession of iron sheets meant for Karamoja.
Meanwhile, President Museveni later directed Police and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to thoroughly investigate the matter.
It remains to be seen how the saga will unfold since the Prime Minister, Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, Finance Ministers, Matia Kasaija, Amos Lugoloobi, State Minister for Karamoja, Agnes Nandutu and many others were accused of taking part in sharing among themselves the iron sheets meant for the vulnerable.
