Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
Embattled Karamoja Affairs Minister Goretti Kitutu, who stands accused of diverting iron sheets intended for the Karamoja sub-region, made an appearance at the Anti-Corruption Court today (June 1). The court session, presided over by Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro, aimed to provide an update on the ongoing investigations into the case. Kitutu, who is currently out on bail, is facing charges of loss of public property and conspiracy to defraud.
During the court session, the Chief Magistrate, Joan Aciro, granted the prosecution’s request for a two-week adjournment. State attorney Jonathan Muwanganya cited the need for additional time to conclude the investigations. Consequently, the case adjourned to June 15 for further mention.
Meanwhile the defense lawyer, Jude Byamukama, raised a jurisdictional challenge, arguing that Michael Naboya Kitutu, the Minister’s younger brother, should have been charged in Namisimbwa, Mbale City rather than in Kampala. Byamukama contended that competent courts in and around Mbale are better suited to adjudicate this matter. Jude Byamukama, requested that the case file be forwarded to the High Court for review.
However, Chief Magistrate Aciro clarified that the responsibility lies with the High Court itself to call for the file and not the lawyer making the request. Aciro advised that the appropriate procedure would be the lawyer addressing or writing to the Deputy Registrar to call for the file.
The charges against Minister Kitutu stem from her alleged involvement in diverting 9,000 pre-painted iron sheets meant for the Karamoja Community Development Programme (KCEP). The prosecution asserts that the iron sheets were unlawfully redirected for personal gain and the benefit of third parties. The diversion of public property and conspiracy to defraud are the key legal issues at the center of this case.
