The state minister for Karamoja affairs, Ms. Agnes Nandutu has been detained at Kira Division Police Station after she reported to the CID headquarters at Kibuli, Kampala for questioning over theft of iron sheets that were meant for Karamajongos and abuse of office.
Ms. Nandutu had previously failed to show up for further questioning, raising prospects that police would hunt down and arrest her.
Police said the Bududa District Woman MP turned up at the CID headquarters on Tuesday morning in relation to the ongoing investigations about abuse of office and theft of iron sheets meant for the people of Karamoja Sub Region.
“The Hon. Minister of State handed herself over to the Police at CID Headquarters Kibuli, where she was assigned detectives to take her statement. She is currently being held at Kira Division Police station.
The file has been submitted to the office of the DPP for further guidance and possible sanctioning.
We thank Hon. Agnes Nandutu for reporting to the Police, upon learning of the allegations under investigation.
This action has saved Police time and resources and it is worth emulating when in similar circumstances,” said the deputy police spokesperson, CP Polly Namaye.
Already two ministers; Mary Goretti Kitutu, the minister of Karamoja and Amos Lugolobi, the state minister for finance (planning) have been charged at the Anti-Corruption Court over corruption and for causing government loss after iron sheets meant to be relief materials for the people of Karamoja were diverted and shared among several MPs, ministers and technocrats in government.
At least more than 20 ministers and about 35 legislators across the country are facing the heat over the Karamoja irons sheets, with government struggling to save face over the scandal.
A number of senior ministers, including the Vice President Rtd Maj. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the speaker of Parliament Anita Among and the finance minister, Matia Kasaija are among the most senior ministers to have received the iron sheets.
