Anti-corruption chief magistrate Ms Joan Aciro has denied bail to troubled Karamoja minister Mary Goretti Kitutu over unsubstantial guarantees introduced by her attorneys.
Dr Kitutu together with her brother Michael Naboya today showed up at the anti-Coruption court in Kololo for hearing on attempt to be granted bail as Prosecution finalises charges of mishandling iron sheets meant for the poor in Karamoja.
Nevertheless, the court’s chief magistrate Joan Aciro denied her bail application because one of the four guaranters for the ministership is unworthy to get her delivered on bail.
Last week, the minister was remanded to Luzira Jail by the anti Corruption court on charges of causing loss of public property, corruption, and conspiracy to corruption. She has been denied bail because of an absence of significant guaranters.
As per state Prosecution, Dr Kitutu is blamed for purportedly redirecting iron sheets meant for the poor people in Karamoja to her own advantage and to the advantage of third parties, hence such a gesture would bring about the loss of public property.
Under the charge of conspiracy to cheat, the DPP narrates that the minister and Mr Abaho, between June 2022 and January 2023, purportedly plotted to swindle beneficiaries under the Karamoja community empowerment programme of 9,000 pre-painted iron sheets.
On the contrary, Dr Kitutu’s brother is blamed for receiving stolen property. The charge sheet says he got 100 pre-covered iron sheets from OPM, having to trust something very similar to have been feloniously acquired.
When sentenced for the charges, Kitutu could spend something like 10 years in jail.
Discover more from Ugandan Exclusive
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.