Sandra Ainebyoona
The ongoing trial of State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, has sent shockwaves through the nation as allegations of corruption and misappropriation of aid supplies come to light. Presided over by Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, the trial has captured widespread attention, exposing high-ranking officials implicated in the scandal.
At the heart of the trial stands Geoffrey Sseremba, the Undersecretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, whose crucial testimony has shed light on the utilization of government resources and budget management within the Ministry. Sseremba, called as the second Prosecution witness, provided vital insights into the budget approval and allocation processes, as well as the roles of Cabinet and State Deputy Ministers in overseeing activities in their respective departments.
The allegations against Agnes Nandutu pertain to her alleged involvement in dealing with suspect property, specifically 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets designated for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region. The Prosecution contends that these actions violated the Anti-Corruption Act of 2000, as amended, and the purported incident took place in June 2022 at the Office of the Prime Minister’s Stores in Namanve and Kkola Cell Bulwanyi Parish, Mukono District.
Central to the trial’s focus are the peace-building activities conducted in the Karamoja sub-region in 2022. These interventions aimed to address socio-economic disparities, promote infrastructure development, and provide essential social welfare services like schools and healthcare facilities to the people of Karamoja. The ultimate goal was to foster disarmament and discourage cattle rustling, with a specific focus on sensitizing key groups, including youth, women, Local Councils, and the elderly.
To implement these interventions, the procurement of goats and iron sheets was necessary. MM Integrated Steel Mills and Roofings Uganda Limited were contracted to supply 10,000 pieces of painted iron sheets, gauge 28′. However, it came to light during the trial that only a fraction of the intended amount reached the OPM stores at Namanve, raising suspicions of mismanagement and corruption.
Complicating matters further, Geoffrey Sseremba, the Undersecretary himself, is facing separate charges within the same court. He stands accused of causing the government a loss of money by allegedly releasing 4 billion shillings to various individuals for peace-building activities in Karamoja without a proper work plan.
As the trial continues, more witnesses are expected to present their testimonies in the coming days. The court has scheduled its next session on August 30th, 2023, during which Geoffrey Sseremba will undergo cross-examination. Agnes Nandutu is being represented by a team of lawyers, including Evans Ochieng, Caleb Alaka, and Nandah Wamukota.
The nation remains riveted by the unfolding events in this high-profile corruption scandal, and the judiciary’s efforts to seek justice and accountability from those entrusted with public resources.
