The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has ordered Mulago National Referral Hospital to conduct an independent medical examination of former Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, and provide a report within two weeks.

Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga issued the order this afternoon after Nandutu declined to begin her defense, citing illness.

She requested a private meeting with the judge to discuss the extent of her sickness, stating she could not disclose her condition in an open court “with men watching.”

This development occurred two hours after the judge had adjourned the matter to give Nandutu, who had come from home and was unprepared to commence her defense, time to prepare for a 1:00 PM session.

When court reconvened shortly after 1:00 PM, Nandutu’s lawyers, led by Nandah Wamukota, informed the court that their client was unstable and needed rest.

In her ruling, Justice Kajuga deemed it necessary to carry out an independent examination at Mulago, stating that she could not meet Nandutu privately or assess her medical condition independently, especially since a previous report from Nakasero Hospital indicated Nandutu was in good health, albeit unable to withstand stressful conditions.

She emphasized the need for a fresh evaluation to determine Nandutu’s ability to stand trial and speak in court, with support from her defense team, which includes Caleb Alaka and Evans Ochieng, as well as the state prosecutor, State Attorney David Bisamunyu.

The case has been adjourned to May 5, 2025, with Nandutu expected to defend herself following a 2024 court ruling that found she had a case to answer regarding charges of dealing in suspect property.

The prosecution alleges that she privately dealt with 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets, considered government property, between June and July 2022.

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