The Anti-Corruption Court has advised former Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu and her co-accused to consider a plea bargain in the case involving the alleged diversion of 14,500 iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
Justice David Makumbi scheduled November 4, 2026, for a pre-trial hearing, with the matter also set for hearing on December 2. The court’s advice gives the accused an opportunity to consider whether they are willing to accept responsibility for the alleged offences through a plea agreement.
Kitutu and her former Senior Assistant Secretary, Joshua Abaho, face two counts of causing loss of public property involving 9,000 and 5,500 iron sheets, respectively. They are also charged with conspiracy to defraud over alleged offences said to have occurred between June 2022 and January 2023.
Kitutu’s brother, Michael Naboya Kitutu, is separately accused of receiving 100 iron sheets in Situmi Village, Namisindwa District, allegedly knowing that the government property had been unlawfully obtained. The accusations remain subject to the court process, and the accused are entitled to a fair hearing.
The case arises from the controversial Karamoja iron sheets scandal, in which roofing materials procured under a government programme for vulnerable households were allegedly diverted to politicians and other officials instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries. The iron sheets were marked “Office of the Prime Minister.”
The scandal attracted national attention in 2023 and triggered investigations involving several senior government officials. Among those prosecuted were Kitutu, former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu and State Minister for Finance Amos Lugoloobi.
Nandutu was convicted on April 8, 2026, of dealing with suspect property after the court found that she had received and retained 2,000 government iron sheets meant for Karamoja. Two days later, Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga sentenced her to four years in prison and barred her from holding public office for 10 years.
Lugoloobi, who had been accused of receiving 700 iron sheets and using some to roof an animal shelter at his farm in Kayunga District, was discharged after the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the charges against him in November 2025. Meanwhile, the proceedings against Kitutu, Abaho and Naboya continue, with the court expected to consider the next steps in the case.
