Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
Kampala, Uganda – In a significant legal development, Goretti Kitutu, the Karamoja Affairs Minister, has lodged a formal application with the court to contest her ongoing trial linked to the Karamoja iron sheets controversy. The application has brought to light a series of alleged constitutional infringements, including claims of torture, intimidation, and the denial of legal access during her apprehension.
Goretti Kitutu, alongside her brother, Micheal Kitutu Naboya, and personal assistant, Joshua Abaho, Kitutu have initiated a legal challenge stemming from events on April 4 earlier this year. She contends that her essential entitlement to a just trial was gravely compromised through alleged instances of intimidation, arrest, and a lack of access to legal representation.
Kitutu’s application goes beyond the mere contestation of her ongoing trial; it also seeks to draw attention to what she maintains was mistreatment and abuse at the hands of state institutions. Her allegations center around an inquiry into the purported misallocation of iron sheets intended for the Karamoja community empowerment initiative. Throughout this process, she contends that her inherent rights were violated.
The application highlights the actions of both the Uganda Police and the Parliamentary Committee on Presidential Affairs. Kitutu points to these entities as responsible for orchestrating a targeted media campaign against her, which she argues not only compromised her right to a fair trial but also inflicted damage to her reputation. Kitutu’s legal representatives are not only seeking her acquittal but are also pursuing accountability and compensation.
Justice Jane Okuo will preside over the proceedings, meticulously evaluating the arguments and evidence presented by both sides. Kitutu’s steadfast determination to contest her trial and shed light on alleged violations of her rights underscores the paramount importance of adhering to due process, upholding accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice within the legal system.
