Former state minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu has pleaded with the Anti-Corruption court for a non-custodial sentence, citing failing health and her responsibilities as a single mother.
The court had scheduled to deliver its final verdict at 3:00 pm today following her conviction for diversion of iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
The prosecution team of state attorneys pushed for a deterrent sentence, arguing that Nandutu’s actions constituted a clear abuse of office and breach of public trust. Senior state attorney Innocent Aleto asked the court to impose a custodial sentence of five years’ imprisonment, disqualification from holding public office for 10 years, and a fine of Shs 3.2 million, equivalent to the maximum 160 currency points prescribed in law.
The state argued that although Nandutu is a first-time offender, the “premeditated and sophisticated” nature of the offence — including moving the iron sheets to a private farm for nine months — negated any claim of mistake.
“This was not an impulsive act, but a carefully orchestrated course of conduct designed to evade scrutiny,” the prosecution submitted. Taking the stand before the afternoon recess, an emotional Nandutu apologised to the President, the people of Karamoja and the country.
“I am apologetic. Whatever happened, I’m sorry. I was misled,” Nandutu told court.
“I willingly returned the iron sheets after finding out they were intended for Karamoja, and I paid for those that were missing in cash.”
Nandutu’s defence centred on her personal and medical challenges. She told court she suffers from blood clots in her lungs, a condition she said causes her to collapse unexpectedly. She also described herself as the sole breadwinner for her seven children and an 80-year-old mother battling cancer.
“I am the only child remaining now. My father died during the stress of this case,” she said, asking the court for a non-custodial sentence to enable her continue supporting her family.
While the prosecution sought a restitution order, the defence argued that Nandutu had already compensated government for any deficit.
Counsel submitted that even the iron sheets allegedly lost in transit while under police custody were paid for by the convict, as reflected in defence exhibits. They argued that since government had been made whole through recoveries and compensation, a prison sentence would be unnecessarily punitive.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga said she would deliver her ruling after analysing submissions from the prosecution, defence and the convict.
