Former Minister Hon. Agnes Nandutu Convicted Over Misuse of Government Iron Sheets

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured a significant conviction against Hon. Agnes Nandutu, the Woman Member of Parliament for Bududa District and former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, in a high-profile corruption-related case involving government property.

The conviction, delivered on April 8, 2026, by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court of Uganda, was presided over by Jane Okuo Kajuga. The court found Nandutu guilty of dealing with suspect property, contrary to Section 21A(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.

Background to the Case

According to the prosecution, between June and July 2022, Nandutu unlawfully received and retained 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets belonging to the government. The iron sheets, marked “Office of the Prime Minister,” were part of a relief programme under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in the Karamoja Sub-region.

The programme, funded through a supplementary budget of approximately UGX 39.94 billion for the 2021/2022 financial year, was designed to aid disarmament efforts and improve livelihoods in Karamoja through the distribution of essential items, including iron sheets.

A total of 95,044 iron sheets were procured and stored at OPM facilities in Namanve for official distribution. 

How the Offence Was Committed

Court proceedings revealed that following a requisition of 10,000 iron sheets for a presidential launch event in Moroto District—of which only 1,000 were issued—9,000 sheets remained in storage.

Subsequently, Nandutu was informed that 2,000 iron sheets had been allocated to her, allegedly for landslide victims. Despite questionable circumstances surrounding this allocation, she accepted the consignment and facilitated its collection.

On June 23, 2022, she reportedly provided funds for transportation and directed her political assistant to collect the iron sheets from the Namanve stores. The materials were first transported to a private residence in Wakiso District, where she personally verified them, before being transferred to her home in Seeta, Mukono District for storage.

Investigations and Recovery

Investigations conducted in March 2023 established that Nandutu had indeed received and stored the iron sheets. She recorded a statement with police and led investigators to her farm, where a search by the Evidence Response Team recovered 1,617 iron sheets.

However, she failed to account for the remaining 383 sheets.

The court concluded that Nandutu knowingly received and retained government property that had been irregularly diverted from a public programme intended for vulnerable beneficiaries.

Prosecution and Legal Implications 

The prosecution was led by Chief State Attorney David Bisamunyu and Senior State Attorney Innocent Aleto, both of the ODPP. Their case successfully demonstrated that the accused had reason to believe the iron sheets were unlawfully obtained.

In its ruling, the court emphasized the importance of accountability in public office and reaffirmed that all individuals, regardless of rank or position, are subject to the law.

Following the conviction, the court cancelled Nandutu’s bail. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2026.

A Strong Message Against Corruption

In a statement issued by Jacquelyn Okui, the Public Relations Officer of the ODPP, the conviction was described as a critical step in reinforcing the rule of law and deterring corruption in public service.

“This conviction sends a strong and necessary message that no individual, regardless of status or public office, is above the law. It should serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the principle that illicit dealings will be met with firm legal consequences,” the statement read.

The case forms part of broader efforts by the ODPP and other state agencies to combat corruption and ensure accountability in the management of public resources in Uganda.