The state minister for Karamoja affairs, Ms. Agnes Nandutu, has finally shown up for questioning at the police Criminal Investigations Department in Kibuli, Kampala, after dodging officers for days. Nandutu had already neglected to appear for more questioning, increasing the likelihood that police would find and detain her.
According to reports, the Bududa Woman MP travelled to Kibuli, where, as of press time, authorities were still questioning her.
“She is already here, but no arrest has been done yet. They are still questioning her and maybe if there will be arrest, it will come after they finish recording additional statements from her,” a source said on condition of anonymity.
Authorities were unable to confirm the most recent information right away.
SCP Enanga claimed on Monday that they had invited Ms. Nandutu to give an additional statement on April 14, 2023, at the police CID headquarters, but she had not shown up. She did not give any justification for her absence either.
“Agnes Nandutu was summoned to reappear at CID headquarters to give more clarifications on the iron sheets, but she didn’t turn up,” Enanga said.
According to sources, Nandutu spent the weekend hiding in Parliament because she feared being arrested. Her known mobile number was also off at the time.
Iron sheets intended as relief supplies for the people of Karamoja were diverted and shared among several MPs, ministers, and technocrats in government. As a result, two ministers, Mary Gorreti Kitutu, the minister of Karamoja, and Amos Lugolobi, the state minister for finance, have already been charged at the Anti-Corruption Court with corruption and causing government losses.
The government is fighting to maintain its composure in the wake of the Karamoja iron sheet scandal, which has at least 35 MPs and more than 20 ministers under fire nationwide.
Some of the most senior ministers to receive the iron sheets are the vice president, Jessica Alupo, the prime minister, Robinah Nabbanja, the speaker of the house, Anita Many, and the finance minister, Matia Kasaija.
On Monday, Enanga stated that the police had already forwarded several files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for approval.