By State Minister for Karamoja, Agnes Nandutu, has been released on bail by the Anti-Corruption division of the High Court in Kampala. Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga granted Nandutu bail due to her medical condition, stating that evidence had been provided showing that Nandutu is sickly with a likelihood of the sickness worsening, and that prison authorities have not shown proof they can handle her sickness.
The judge dismissed the fears of the DPP that Nandutu is likely to abscond once granted bail, stating that any fear of escaping can only be erased by imposing stringent terms onto the minister. The judge directed Nandutu to pay a SSH10 million cash bond, with each of the three sureties paying SHS50 million non-cash bond.
Nandutu was also asked to deposit two titles of her land in Mukono, with one of her sureties depositing the title of his land located in Namugongo. The accused should deposit her passport with the court and should not travel outside the jurisdiction of this court without permission. Nandutu will report to court as directed in the main case where trial has been scheduled to kick off on May 25, 2023.
The charges against Nandutu are dealing with suspect property contrary to section 21a(1) of the Anti Corruption Act 2009. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) contends that during the month of June 2022, at the OPM stores Namanve, Mukono District and Kkola cell, Bulwanyi Parish in Mukono district, the minister dealt with 2000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 by receiving and holding the said iron sheets which she had reason to believe were acquired as a result of the loss of public property, an offence under section 10(1) of the Anti Corruption Act 2009. Nandutu denied the charges.
