Former State Minister Agnes Nandutu Convicted in Uganda’s Karamoja Iron Sheets Scandal

The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court of Uganda has convicted former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs and Bududa District Woman MP Agnes Nandutu of dealing with suspect property in the high-profile Karamoja iron sheets scandal.

Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga delivered the verdict on April 8, 2026, finding Nandutu guilty under Section 21A(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act. The court ruled that between June and July 2022 she knowingly received and retained 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets marked “Office of the Prime Minister,” which were intended for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja sub-region. Justice Kajuga determined that Nandutu had reason to believe the sheets had been irregularly diverted from a government programme.

Following the conviction, the judge cancelled her bail and remanded her to Luzira Prison ahead of the sentencing scheduled for Friday, April 10 or Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The scandal came to light in early 2023 when it emerged that thousands of corrugated iron sheets procured by the Office of the Prime Minister for a community empowerment programme in Karamoja had been diverted to senior officials, ministers, MPs and their relatives instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries. The programme was meant to provide roofing materials to poor households in one of Uganda’s most disadvantaged areas.

Investigations revealed that a significant number of sheets bearing official OPM markings were irregularly distributed. Nandutu, who served as junior minister in the Karamoja Affairs docket, was accused of receiving a substantial allocation.

Prosecution evidence showed she took possession of the 2,000 sheets and guided police to her home where some were recovered. She claimed her senior minister had informed her the sheets were allocated for the Bugisu/Bududa area, but the court rejected this defence. Court assessors had earlier recommended conviction, stating that the prosecution had proved Nandutu’s possession and awareness of the irregular origin of the sheets.

The trial, which began in April 2023, lasted three years amid multiple adjournments. Nandutu rose from humble beginnings in Bududa District to national prominence through a career in journalism before entering politics in 2021. She won the Bududa Woman MP seat as an independent and was appointed State Minister for Karamoja Affairs by President Yoweri Museveni.

The conviction is one of the few high-level outcomes from the scandal. Former Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu and other figures have faced related proceedings. The case has highlighted weaknesses in public procurement and accountability mechanisms, particularly for programmes targeting vulnerable populations.

Sentencing on Friday or Saturday will determine the penalty, which could include a substantial fine, imprisonment, or both. Legal observers expect an appeal to follow.