Kampala, Uganda.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has revealed that it has closed and put away Seventeen (17) case files of the publicized Karamoja iron sheets scandal due to insufficiency of evidence. Through a press release issued today 24th June 2023, the Public Relations Officer, Jacquelyn Okui emphasized that in considering the blameworthiness of the suspects, a number of factors were taken into account including the circumstances under which the iron sheets were received, the manner of use of iron sheets upon receipt and refunds made in kind and cash.
While the ODPP received twenty–three case files with many suspects listed as being involved, three Ministers namely, Hon. Kitutu Mary Goretti, Hon. Lugoloobi Amos and Hon. Nandutu Agnes have since been charged at the Anti–Corruption Court. A number of technocrats have also been arraigned in court to face charges ranging from loss of public property, corruption, receiving stolen property and dealing with suspect property. It was also revealed that three (3)case files are still under investigation.
Ms. Jacquelyn Okui further emphasized that the investigations were prosecution–guided with teams comprising prosecutors and investigators from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and State House Anti–Corruption Unit (SHACU). The investigations inquired into the alleged diversion and mismanagement of iron sheets and other relief items meant for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme, at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
As of today 6,100iron sheets have been refunded in kind, 1,000 paid in cash and 2,295 recovered from suspects’ homes. About 5,105 iron sheets are yet to be recovered.
