The Prosecution has gathered seven witnesses to testify against State Minister for Finance and Economic Planning Amos Lugoloobi. He is accused of diverting iron sheets that were intended for the vulnerable people of Karamoja.

During the trial, the Prosecution presented evidence that Lugoloobi was involved in handling 700 pre-painted iron sheets labelled as ‘Office of the Prime Minister’. This took place at the Prime Minister Stores in Namanve, Mukono District, as well as various locations in Matugga, Wakiso District, and Ntejeru North Constituency in Kayunga District.

The said iron sheets were obtained in two phases with one involving 400 iron sheets between July 14, 2022, and February 2023, and another batch of 300 iron sheets obtained between February 1, 2023 and March 16, 2023. The minister was subsequently arrested and charged with dealing with suspect property. In July 2023, he was committed by the Chief  Magistrates Court to face trial.

The Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Josephine Namatovu, announced today that she has prepared seven witnesses to testify in the Karamoja Iron Sheets case. The witnesses are ready to present their testimonies when the hearing resumes next week.

She added that she received Lugoloobi’s appointment letter late and was unable to respond when the matter came up this morning. The appointment letter is one of the documents the Prosecution intends to rely on to prove that Lugoloobi is a minister who misused his office.

The case has now been adjourned to October 25 for a hearing. Lugoloobi’s Lawyer John Isabirye, also informed the Court that his team was ready to defend the minister on the set days..

Lugoloobi faces a seven-year jail term or a fine not exceeding 160 currency points 3.2 million) or both, upon conviction. He is among the three  Ministers facing trial before the Anti-Corruption court over the Karamoja iron sheets scandal.

The others are State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agness Nandutu and her Senior Minister Mary Gorreti Kitutu who is jointly charged with her brother Michael Naboya Kitutu on six charges related to causing loss of property and conspiracy to defraud the government of Uganda.

Another 17 top politicians including MPs and Ministers, Speaker of Parliament and the Vice President who were initially implicated in the same scandal have since had their case files closed by the Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo for lack of sufficient evidence.