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Lugoloobi is facing charges of dealing with suspect property
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In a dramatic turn of events, a priest from Kayunga district has testified that the iron sheets donated by Amos Lugoloobi to roof their church were part of those allegedly diverted from the vulnerable people of Karamoja by government officials.
Lugoloobi, the State Minister for Finance and Economic Planning and MP for Ntenjeru North constituency, is facing charges of dealing with suspect property, contrary to Section 21A of the Anti-Corruption Act, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years upon conviction.
The prosecution alleges that Lugoloobi misappropriated a total of 700 pre-painted iron sheets marked with the insignia of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). The materials were allegedly obtained in two phases: 400 sheets between July 14, 2022, and February 2023, and an additional 300 sheets between February 1 and March 16, 2023.
Today, the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption courtroom fell silent as Rev. Fr. Daniel Muwanguzi, delivered his testimony before Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga.
Muwanguzi, formerly assigned to Kasana parish and now serving at Namagabi parish in Kayunga district, revealed that the church had received 300 iron sheets marked with the insignia of the “Office of the Prime Minister” from the embattled minister to roof the house of God.
The iron sheets were initially a symbol of hope and support for the church. However, the gesture turned into disappointment when the iron sheets were recalled following a presidential directive to return all diverted OPM iron sheets.
Muwanguzi recounted the shock and disappointment felt by his parishioners when Lugoloobi reclaimed the iron sheets in 2023. Despite his composed demeanor, Muwanguzi's occasional weariness hinted at the emotional toll of revisiting this chapter.
“When I received a call from Lugoloobi to return the iron sheets, I felt disappointed because we had hope and were preparing to roof the church,” Muwanguzi stated.
He disclosed that the church was not roofed by the time he left Kasana parish on December 28, 2023. The prosecution witness also revealed that the church received other building materials such as bricks, cement, and iron bars from Lugoloobi, who also paid an engineer for the project.
Muwanguzi, 48, testified under the guidance of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Josephine Namatovu. During cross-examination by defense lawyers Tonny Tumukunde and John Isabirye, Muwanguzi, a priest for seven years, described Lugoloobi as a caring man who supports people in his constituency but expressed surprise at the allegations against him. 
Fr Daniel Muwanguzi
Muwanguzi confirmed to the court that the iron sheets were marked ‘OPM’ instead of Karamoja.
The witness said Lugoloobi was involved in several projects in his constituency aimed at improving the livelihood of the people and supporting both private and government schools.
The case has been adjourned to October 4, 2024, for further hearing.
Allegations
Prosecution alleges that between July 14, 2022, and February 28, 2023, at the OPM stores in Namanve, Mukono district, and at various places in Matugga, Wakiso district, and Ntenjeru North constituency in Kayunga district, Lugoloobi dealt with 400 pre-painted iron sheets marked “Office of the Prime Minister,” knowing they were acquired through the loss of public property, an offence under Section 10 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.
On the second count, it is alleged that between February 1, 2023, and March 16, 2023, at OPM stores in Namanve and other locations, Lugoloobi dealt with 300 pre-painted iron sheets marked “Office of the Prime Minister,” knowing they were acquired through public property loss.
Lugoloobi’s Troubles
Lugoloobi reportedly received 700 iron sheets in two batches. The first consignment was received from the OPM on July 15, 2022, under voucher number 8058, signed for by his personal assistant, John Allan Damulira, and transported using car registration number UBG 430S. He allegedly received another batch of 300 sheets from the Karamoja affairs ministry on February 1, 2023, under voucher number 8527.
According to the indictment, the minister allegedly used the iron sheets to roof his cow shed.
On February 28, 2023, Lugoloobi decided to deroof the structure. However, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit team raided his home on the same day and impounded the iron sheets.
