Bududa Woman MP Agnes Nandutu has been ordered by the Anti Corruption Court to begin presenting her defence in the ongoing Karamoja iron sheets scandal case.
Presiding Judge Jane Kajuga on Monday rejected a request by Nandutu’s legal team to delay the proceedings once again on grounds of ill health.
The court ruled that the numerous adjournments had stretched the case unnecessarily and insisted that it was time for the trial to move forward.
“This matter has been adjourned multiple times. We are stretching it unnecessarily,” Judge Kajuga said, expressing frustration at the pace of the trial. “Let her get to the stand. The court will assess her capacity through her responses.”
Nandutu, who is facing corruption charges for allegedly diverting iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja, was present in court but did not testify.
Her lawyer, Caleb Alaka, claimed she was still too ill to defend herself, citing frailty, difficulty in breathing, and a swollen leg.
He also noted the defence’s intention to call four witnesses before the MP could take the stand, requesting additional time for her recovery.
However, State Prosecutor David Bisamunyu opposed the delay, accusing the defence of stalling. “The accused is in court. She can speak, and she can defend herself,” he argued, emphasizing the need for justice to be delivered without unnecessary postponements. He also noted that no fresh medical report had been provided to justify another adjournment.
In her ruling, Judge Kajuga said the medical report submitted did not indicate that Nandutu was unable to speak or respond.
She criticized the defence for poor coordination of their witnesses and instructed Mulago Hospital to conduct a comprehensive examination of Nandutu’s condition, with a detailed report to be presented to court.
The iron sheets scandal, which involved the alleged misappropriation of government relief items meant for impoverished families in Karamoja, has put several high-ranking officials under scrutiny.
Nandutu’s case remains one of the most watched, with Ugandans eagerly awaiting the outcome for its potential political and legal consequences.
