Kampala, Uganda | The Black Examiner – The state minister for Finance and Planning Amos Lugoloobi has been charged at the High Court’s Anti-corruption division folowing the Karamoja Iron Sheets Scandal.
Lugoloobi who appeared before Lady Justice Margret Tibulya on Tuesday morning was charged with two charges dealing with suspected stolen property.
In December 2021, the Parliament passed a supplementary budget worth 39 billion shillings to support various programs in Karamoja. Of these, 22 billion shillings were meant to purchase goats while 5 billion shillings was for procurement of 100,000 iron sheets which are alleged to have been diverted.
Lugoloobi was accused of using 700 of the iron sheets meant to empower vulnerable communities in Karamoja to roof the shelter for his goats in Kayunga. Once convicted guilty, he faces a seven-year jail term or a fine not exceeding 160 currency points (Shillings 3.2 million) or both.
However, the minister pleaded not guilty to the charges. Meanwhile the High Court has appointed three assessors: Judith Muhairwe, Fred Ssemukwano, and John Martin Ofwono to assist the court with the trial and.
Josephine Namatovu, the prosecutor informed the Court that they were ready for the hearing but Lugoloobi’s lawyers John Isabirye and Tonny Tumukunde said they were not ready to proceed according to her.
The case has been adjourned to August 22,2023 with Lugoloobi’s bail extended. Lugoloobi is just one of many others that were caught up under the same scandal.
The other 17 politicians including MPs, Ministers, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Vice President have since had their case files closed by the Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo for lack of sufficient evidence.
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