The Minister for Teso Affairs Kenneth Ongalo Obote was among the Minister’s present while junior Karamoja Minister Agnes Nandutu appeared before the Anti-corruption court on April 19, 2023.
According to the video seen by our reporter, Minister Ongalo was among the few leaders who attended the court proceeding and after the proceeding he promised to visit Nandutu in her prison cells next week.
We have since learnt that because of his busy schedule tomorrow in Katakwi, minister Ongalo may not be in position to visit Nandutu tomorrow.
“I will come on Wednesday,” Ongalo said before the prison officer told him visitors are allowed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
He later zeroed on Tuesday. “Tomorrow I will be in Katakwi,” he told Nandutu.
Via Monitor: https://twitter.com/i/status/1648658683952234496
But while speaking to the media before being taken to Luzira, Nandutu said she was firm but protested the manner in which her case was handled.
“I admit I have been baptized with fire. I am firm. However, why commit me to the High Court for trial when the lower court (Anti-Corruption) has the mandate to handle this case?” The Bududa Woman MP questioned as she briefly addressed journalists moments after the grade one magistrate, Esther Asiimwe committed her to High Court for trial.
Ms Nandutu was arrested yesterday when she handed herself to police for questioning over the Karamoja iron sheets scandal that has left President Museveni’s government struggling to save face following public outcry.
She was arraigned before Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday and charged with dealing with suspect property, contrary to section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 (as amended).
Ms Nandutu, however, denied the charges before the state prosecutor, Mr David Bisamuyu told court that police inquiries into her case were complete.
Although Ms Nandutu pleaded not guilty to the charges, Mr Bisamuyu said he had instructions from the DPP to have her sent to High Court for trial.
The former TV journalist becomes the third minister to be charged in court over the scandal.