By Culton Scovia Nakamya

Mary Gorretti Kitutu Kimono (61) the minister in charge of Karamoja affairs is to celebrate her Easter holiday in Luzira prison on charges of causing loss of public property and conspiracy to defraud government.

The Anti-corruption court in Kampala on Thursday 06^th April 2023 charged the minister along with her brother Micheal Naboya Kitutu over the iron sheets scandal.

Kitutu told court the allegations against her are “Not True”. Naboya, her brother also pleaded not guilty to allegations of receiving 100 iron sheets meant for Karamoja. The chief magistrate Joan Aciro asked for sufficient time to scrutinize their sureties. Court will determine their bail application on Wednesday 12^th April. This meant that Kitutu, for the first time, will celebrate her Easter holiday in prison. Not even her yellow attire and disguise, saved the day.

While celebrating the way of the cross on Friday, religious leaders and Christians voiced concerns over corruption tendencies in the country especially those involving high ranking government officials. Many are wondering why others involved in the same scandal can’t be tried.

Kitutu’s troubles started after government procured 14,500 iron sheets for Karamoja Community Empowerment programme. Before distributing iron sheets to the intended beneficiaries, at least 10 ministers and members of parliament got a share, allegedly, on Kitutu’s directives. This was not limited to government ministers, Kitutu’s close relatives including her mother and brother also received the iron sheets.

The others who received iron sheets include the vice president Jessica Alupo, Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker of Parliament Anitta Annet Among, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Deputy prime ministers Rebecca Kadaga and Rukia Nakadama Isanga. The Others are state minister for planning Amos Lugoloobi among others.

President Museveni earlier directed investigating bodies to prosecute whoever is implicated in the scandal. However, no other government official has been charged over the same scandal.

Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja denied receiving iron sheets. Others like Amos Lugoloobi, Matia said they never asked for the iron sheets, only got to know about them after delivery to their homes.

The speaker of parliament Annet Among procured Iron sheets and delivered to the prime minister’s office, claiming she didn’t know they were meant for the community in Karamoja.