Nandutu Pleads for Mercy Ahead of Sentencing in Iron Sheets Scandal

Former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, has pleaded with the Anti-Corruption Court for a non-custodial sentence, citing failing health and her responsibilities as a single mother.

The court is scheduled to deliver its final verdict today, following her conviction for diversion of iron sheets intended for the vulnerable in Karamoja.

The prosecution team of state attorneys pushed for a rigorous sentence, arguing that Nandutu’s actions constituted a “clear abuse of office and a breach of public trust.”

Highlighting the gravity of the offense, the Senior State Attorney, Innocent Aleto asked the court to consider a custodial sentence of five years in prison, disqualification from public office for a period of 10 years, and a fine of UGX. 3.2 million (maximum 160 currency points prescribed in the law).

The state argued that although Nandutu is a first-time offender, the “premeditated and sophisticated” nature of the crime, including moving the iron sheets to a private farm for nine months- negates any claims of a mistake. “This was not an impulsive act, but a carefully orchestrated course of conduct designed to evade scrutiny,” the prosecutor stated.

Taking the stand before the afternoon recess, an emotional Nandutu apologized to the President (the appointing authority), the people of Karamoja, and the entire country.

“I am apologetic. Whatever happened, I’m sorry. I was misled,” Nandutu told the court. “I willingly returned the iron sheets after finding out they were intended for Karamoja, and I paid for those that were missing in cash.”

Nandutu’s defense centered on her personal and medical struggles, revealing that she suffers from blood clots in her lungs, a condition she says causes her to collapse unexpectedly. She described herself as the sole breadwinner for her seven children and an 80-year-old mother currently battling cancer.

“I am the only child remaining now. My father died during the stress of this case,” she said, asking the judge for a non-custodial sentence so she can continue to provide for her family.

While the prosecution sought a restitution order, the defense argued that Nandutu had already compensated the government for any deficit.

The defense clarified that even the iron sheets allegedly lost in transit while under police custody were paid for by the convict, as evidenced by defense exhibits.

They argued that because the government has been “made whole” financially and through recoveries, a prison sentence would be unnecessarily punitive.

Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga said she will deliver her ruling after analysing the submissions made by both the prosecution, defense and the convict.