Three court assessors have recommended the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court to convict Ex-State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu over charges of dealing with suspected property in the iron sheets scandal.
Presenting their joint opinion before trial judge Jane Kajuga, the assessors told court that the prosecution had proved key elements of the offence particularly that Nandutu dealt with the iron sheets and had knowledge relating to their irregular acquisition.
As reported by Daily Monitor, the assessors noted that the prosecution called 20 witnesses against three defence witnesses and argued that the evidence demonstrated that Nandutu handled the 2,000 pre painted iron sheets in question.
According to Daily Monitor, they further pointed out that the iron sheets were later recovered from Nandutu’s farm, reinforcing their conclusion that she had possession and control of the items.
The assessors also replied on testimony from the investigating officer, Defective Inspector Nakatudde, who told court that Nandutu admitted receiving the iron sheets on behalf of residents of Bududa District.
However, they acknowledged that evidence before court showed that Nandutu didn’t formally requisition the iron sheets from the office of the Prime Minister (OPM), raising questions about procedure.
They added that although the issuance process of the iron sheets appeared to have followed official channels, Nandutu, as a State Minister, ought to have known that receiving them without formal requisition was improper.
After weighing the evidence, the accused, being a State Minister, knew that what she was doing was wrong since she did not requisition for the people of Bududa,” another assessor submitted.
The assessors also cited documentary evidence from OPM indicating that the iron sheets were part of the relief items intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja Sub-region and that former minister Mary Gorreti Kitutu had listed Nandutu among the beneficiaries.
They further accused the defence for failing to demonstrate how Nandutu legitimately sourced the iron sheets or followed official procedures.
Following the submissions, Daily Monitor reports that Justice Kajuga said she would consider the assessor’s opinion before delivering the judgment.
The case arises from allegations that Nandutu dealt with 2,000 iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja but we’re instead diverted.
Assessors opinions are not binding on the court, but they guide the judge in reaching a final decision.
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