Kampala
From Grass to Grace Back to Grass
Former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, has been convicted by Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court in the high-profile iron sheets scandal, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat corruption among public officials.
Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, the court found that Nandutu knowingly received and retained approximately 2,000 government iron sheets that were originally procured to support vulnerable communities in the Karamoja sub-region. Evidence showed she took possession of the sheets despite knowing they were not allocated to her.
Immediate Consequences
The presiding judge ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Nandutu on the charge of dealing in suspected government property.
Shortly after the verdict, her bail was revoked. She was immediately taken into custody and remanded to Luzira Maximum Security Prison. Sentencing is expected on Friday, April 10, 2026.
A Scandal That Shook the Nation
The case forms part of the broader Karamoja iron sheets scandal that erupted in 2023. The controversy revealed how iron sheets meant for poor and vulnerable households in Karamoja were allegedly diverted to senior government officials and politically connected individuals.
The revelations triggered widespread public outrage, with citizens and civil society organisations demanding greater accountability and transparency in the use of public resources.
A Test of Accountability
Nandutu’s conviction is being viewed as a major milestone in holding high-ranking public officials accountable. Observers say the ruling sends a strong message that the misuse of government property will not go unpunished, regardless of one’s status or position.
With sentencing still pending, attention now turns to other individuals implicated in the same scandal. Many Ugandans are watching closely to see whether justice will be applied consistently across all cases.
Torch Media Africa
