The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Kampala has sentenced Bududa District Woman Member of Parliament Agnes Nandutu to four years in prison for her role in the illegal acquisition and possession of government iron sheets intended for vulnerable Karachuna in Karamoja.
Trial judge Jane Okuo ruled that the period Nandutu spent on remand will be deducted from her sentence.
The court also ordered that all recovered iron sheets be returned.
In addition, the court barred Nandutu from holding public office for a period of ten years, citing the gravity and nature of the offence, as well as findings from the offence impact assessment report.
Before the sentence the Former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, pleaded with the Anti-Corruption Court for a non-custodial sentence, citing failing health and her responsibilities as a single mother citing her deteriorating health condition, saying she has lumps in her lungs that occasionally cause her to lose consciousness.
Nandutu made an emotional plea for leniency, asking for forgiveness from the people of Karamoja, the President, and her constituents.
Nandutu also told court that she is a single mother of seven children and the sole caregiver to her 81-year-old mother.
In her mitigation, she said she had returned the iron sheets and paid in cash for those that were missing, urging the court to consider this as a factor for leniency.
However, the prosecution led by the Senior State Attorney, Innocent Aleto opposed a lighter sentence, urging court to impose a penalty of not less than five years arguing that Nandutu’s actions constituted a “clear abuse of office and a breach of public trust.”
It argued that the iron sheets remained in Nandutu’s possession for nine months, indicating that the offence was premeditated. The prosecution further contended that the return of the iron sheets only came after police intervention.
They asked the court to consider a custodial sentence of five years in prison, disqualification from public office for a period of 10 years, and a fine of UGX. 3.2 million (maximum 160 currency points prescribed in the law).
The state argued that although Nandutu is a first-time offender, the “premeditated and sophisticated” nature of the crime, including moving the iron sheets to a private farm for nine months- negates any claims of a mistake.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court adjourned for three hours before delivering the final sentence in the afternoon.
On April 8, 2026, Justice Okuo had convicted Nandutu of dealing with suspect property contrary to Section 21A(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, following prosecution by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Court heard that between June and July 2022, Nandutu received and retained 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets marked “Office of the Prime Minister,” knowing or having reason to believe they had been irregularly obtained from a government programme.
By Olivia Nabaggala
10th April 2026
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