Ex-Minister Nandutu Convicted in Iron Sheets Scandal, Remanded to Luzira
Kampala, Uganda – April 8, 2026
The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has convicted former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, over her role in the diversion of government iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja sub-region.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the court found that Nandutu unlawfully received and retained 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets that were intended for disadvantaged households. The prosecution successfully argued that the former minister knew, or had reason to believe, that the materials had been irregularly diverted from a government relief programme.
Following the conviction, the court cancelled Nandutu’s bail and ordered her immediate remand to Luzira Prison. She is expected to remain in custody until later this week when she will return to court for sentencing.
The case stems from a wider corruption scandal involving the alleged misallocation of relief items under the Office of the Prime Minister. Investigations revealed that the iron sheets, originally procured for vulnerable communities in Karamoja, were instead diverted to individuals, including senior government officials.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Nandutu received and kept the iron sheets without proper authorization. Court assessors had earlier advised the judge to convict her, noting that as a senior public official, she ought to have known the acquisition was irregular.
The defence, however, maintained that the materials were intended for beneficiaries in her constituency and that she acted in good faith. The court dismissed this argument, citing lack of documentation to justify lawful possession.
Nandutu’s conviction marks a significant development in the ongoing crackdown on corruption linked to the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, which has implicated several high-profile officials and drawn widespread public scrutiny.
Her sentencing, expected in the coming days, will determine the penalties she faces under Uganda’s anti-corruption laws.
