Former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, has been sentenced to four years in prison by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court. Justice Jane Kajuga delivered the sentence on Friday, April 10, 2026, following Nandutu’s conviction over the diversion of 2,000 iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court also barred Nandutu from holding any public office for the next 10 years, a ruling intended to uphold accountability and deter misuse of public resources.
The judge clarified that the time Nandutu spent on remand prior to sentencing would be deducted from her four-year prison term, effectively shortening her remaining time behind bars.
Earlier in the day, Nandutu made an emotional plea for leniency. She described herself as a single mother responsible for her school-going children, as well as orphans from her siblings and her elderly mother, who is about 80 years old and unwell.
Nandutu asked the court to consider her status as a first-time offender and her health challenges, explaining that she had been in and out of hospital, with her health still fragile.
She also emphasized her cooperation with authorities, stating that she returned the iron sheets after realizing they were intended for the people of Karamoja. She told police voluntarily where the sheets were and handed them back willingly.
In her plea, Nandutu argued that she had been misled into committing the offence and appealed to the court for mercy, highlighting her intention to make amends.
The conviction stems from a scandal that has drawn public attention and outrage for nearly three years, highlighting serious concerns over corruption in the distribution of government aid.
Between June and July 2022, Nandutu received and retained 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets, marked for the Office of the Prime Minister. Court proceedings revealed that she knew or had reason to believe they had been irregularly obtained from a government program intended for Karamoja.
The Anti-Corruption Court found that her actions denied vulnerable communities critical building materials, sparking widespread public condemnation and political debate.
Nandutu was convicted on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison pending sentencing. Her legal team had prepared for both imprisonment and the possibility of a fine.
Before sentencing, the former minister faced a maximum punishment of seven years in prison and a fine of Shs3.2 million, underscoring the seriousness of the offence.
Public reactions have been mixed, with some citizens expressing satisfaction at the court’s decision as a victory for accountability, while others highlighted her personal circumstances and emotional appeal as grounds for leniency.
Legal analysts noted that the case illustrates the court’s balancing act between punishing corruption and considering mitigating factors such as cooperation, health, and family responsibilities.
Nandutu’s case also serves as a reminder of the importance of oversight in government programs, especially those designed to support vulnerable populations like those in Karamoja.
Observers have highlighted that the ruling could set a precedent for future cases of misappropriation of government resources, sending a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated.
Humanitarian groups praised the court for upholding justice, noting that the diversion of aid had directly affected communities that rely on government support for basic infrastructure.
The Ministry of Karamoja Affairs, which had provided the iron sheets, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in aid distribution.
As Nandutu prepares to serve her sentence at Luzira, attention now shifts to the impact of the ruling on public trust in government programs, particularly those targeting marginalized communities.
The case of Agnes Nandutu underscores the continuing challenges of governance and ethical leadership in Uganda, highlighting the tension between personal responsibility and systemic oversight in the management of public resources.
