Ezrah Kashumbusha
KAMPALA, February 19,2024 | The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has granted permission to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) to prosecute Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Gorette Kitutu. The decision comes in light of allegations surrounding the misuse of funds intended for peace-building activities in the Karamoja Sub Region, resulting in a loss of Uganda shillings 1.5 billion.
Minister Kitutu had sought to halt the Inspectorate of Government from pursuing charges against her. However, High Court Judge Jane Kajuga dismissed her application, asserting that there was no connection in the separate files presented. “There is no way how it will impede the other case of iron sheets,” Justice Kajuga ruled, emphasizing that Kitutu’s right to fair hearing would not be violated.
At the heart of the matter lies the alleged misappropriation of Supplementary Budget funds released to the Office of the Prime Minister. Kitutu, along with Geoffrey Sseramba, Deogratius Masagazi, and Tracy Atuhirwe, faces charges of corruption, causing financial loss, and conspiracy to defraud. These charges, if proven, carry significant penalties, including up to 14 years in prison.
The specific allegations against Minister Kitutu include the loss of 9,000 pre-painted iron sheets intended for the Karamoja Community Empowerment program. Kitutu’s defense revolves around claims that the funds under investigation were used to procure iron sheets, which she argues are related to a pending case before the Anti-Corruption Court. She further alleges that the Inspectorate of Government conducted a search warrant illegally, raising questions about procedural fairness in the investigation process.
