Nandutu Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison, Barred from Public Office for 10 Years

By Skika Reporter

Former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, has been sentenced to four years in prison and barred from holding public office for the next ten years over her involvement in the Karamoja iron sheets scandal.

The court also ordered that the iron sheets linked to the case be returned to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

The sentence was delivered on Friday by Anti-Corruption Court judge Jane Kajuga, following submissions from the prosecution, which had asked for a custodial sentence of five years.

Earlier in the day, Nandutu issued a public apology to both the government and the people of Uganda, acknowledging her role in the scandal. In her mitigation, she pleaded for leniency and requested a non-custodial sentence, citing her family obligations and declining health.

“My Lord, you said the sentence carries a maximum of seven years and a fine not exceeding 160 currency points. I pray that I am given a non-custodial sentence to enable me to take care of my young family since I am the only breadwinner,” she told the court.

Nandutu explained that she supports several dependants, including school-going children, orphans, and her elderly mother.

“I am a single mother of nine school-going children, and I am the only able person in my family. I take care of my ailing mother, who is 80 years old,” she said.

She also cited ongoing medical challenges, stating that she suffers from blood clots in her lungs and has frequently required hospitalization.

“I have a situation of clots in my lungs, which makes me collapse. Up to date, my health is not okay,” she added.

Despite her plea, the court ruled that a custodial sentence was appropriate given the gravity of the offense.