The State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Hon Agnes Nandutu has been granted a 10 million shillings cash bail at the Anti Corruption Division of the High Court.
The Bududa Woman Member of Parliament appeared before Justice Jane Kajuga Okuo on Thursday for a bail hearing and ruling. She was escorted by three prison wardens.
Nandutu was granted bail on grounds that she proved to the court that she was in urgent need of emergency medical attention. The Court also dismissed prosecution evidence that the minister dodged police summons as basis not to grant her bail.
Justice Okua ordered the Minister to deposit two land titles registered in her name to the court, and her passport and told her not to travel outside her jurisdiction without the court’s permission, having a fixed place of abode at Nantabulirwa Village in Seeta, Mukono District. The fact that she has a family and elderly parents who all depend on her.
She also presented substantial three sureties including Nandala Mafabi who was also told to deposit his land title for plot at Namugongo, Gerald Nangoli, the Member of Parliament and Chairperson of Bugisu Parliamentary Group, and Bududa LCV Chairperson Kamoti Milton Apolo Wasumbuyi. All sureties were bonded 50 million, non cash.
On Wednesday morning Nandutu appeared before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Kampala for bail application and mention of her case.
Her lawyers told court that its her right to get bail and she is a well known person with a permanent place of abode besides other factors like her health.
The lawyers stated that the Minister has a swelling on her left foot and obvious depression. She presented a document from the Superintendent of Police Dr. Julius Muhwezi showing that she is suffering from pressure and needs Orthopedic care.
While appearing before Lady Justice Jane Kajuga Okuo on Wednesday, court fixed the official trial for the case to May 25, 2023, allowing the State time to complete disclosure of evidence.
Nandutu is accused of diverting iron sheets meant for reformed warriors in the Karamoja Sub region. She was recently remanded to Luzira prisons on charges of dealing with suspect property contrary to section 21a(1) of the Anti Corruption Act 2009.
Prosecution states that during the month of June 2022, at the OPM stores Namanve, Mukono District and Kkola cell , Bulwanyi Parish in Mukono district, the minister dealt with 2000 pre-painted iron sheets of gauge 28 by receiving and holding the said iron sheets which she had reason to believe were acquired as a result of lose of public property , an offence under section 10(1) of the Anti Corruption Act 2009.
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