The State Minister for Karamoja Affairs and Bududa District Woman MP, Agnes Nandutu, has been granted bail by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court. Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga ruled that Nandutu would be released on a cash bail of Shs10 million, while her sureties were bonded of Shs50 million each.
As part of her bail terms, Nandutu must deposit two land titles registered in her name to the court, surrender her passport, and seek the court’s permission to travel outside the country.
Additionally, one of her sureties, Mr. Nandala Mafabi, must deposit his land title located at Namugongo.
Justice Kajuga noted that Nandutu has a medical complication that requires a rapid emergency response and that she voluntarily surrendered herself to the police. She further stated that police evidence that the Minister evaded them is hearsay and not reliable.
The judge added that Nandutu is a family person with young children and elderly parents to look after, and the court can ensure her attendance by imposing stringent terms.
Nandutu’s grounds for being released on bail included her constitutional right to bail, being a law-abiding citizen who reports to the police whenever called upon, and having severe venous insufficiency, a disease that requires specialized medical attention. She also has a fixed place of abode in Mukono District and is responsible for her young family and elderly parents.
The Minister is being charged with privately dealing with government property, namely 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 marked Office of the Prime Minister, which were lost.
Prosecution claims that she received the iron sheets, an offence under Section 10 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 as amended. Nandutu is among three ministers facing charges for their involvement in the alleged diversion of iron sheets intended for vulnerable people in the Karamoja sub-region.
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