The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has ruled that the State Minister of Finance in charge of Planning, Amos Lugoloobi has a case to answer about the charges levied against him arising from the mismanagement of iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people of Karamoja.

Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga on Wednesday said that there is sufficient evidence from 11 prosecution witnesses, including a Church Reverend, to establish a prima facie case against Lugoloobi.

She ordered him to start defending himself over the accusations starting January 15th 2025, adding that it’s on this day the court will explain to him personally his rights.

The prosecution alleges that Lugoloobi while at the Office of the Prime Minister Stores in Namanve in Mukono district and at different places in Matugga, Wakiso district and Ntejeru North Constituency in Kayunga district dealt with Government property that is 700 pre-painted iron sheets marked “Office of the Prime Minister”.

According to the Prosecution, the iron sheets which were reportedly acquired as a result of loss of property, an offence under Section 10 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Court were obtained in two phases with one involving 400 iron sheets between July 14th 2022 and February 2023, and another batch of 300 iron sheets obtained between February 1st 2023 and March 16th 2023.

However, Lugoloobi’s lawyers led by John Isabirye last month asked court to set their client free after prosecution had closed its case with 11 witnesses claiming that prosecution had not provided substantial evidence to warrant a defence.

By Our Reporter

27 Nov 2024

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