The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Mary Goretti Kitutu and her brother Michael Naboya Kitutu have today Thursday 6/4/2023 been charged with corruption, conspiracy to defraud and diversion of over 9000 iron sheets which were meant for the empowerment program for Karamoja sub-region.
The duo has appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate, Joan Aciro.
The Minister arrived at Kololo Anti-Corruption Court dressed in a yellow coat and a black mask. Kitutu was driven into the court premises in a grey Police Renault car (UP 9432). She got out of the Police car while covering her head with a veil.
Naboya, who was arrested on February 13, by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) detectives who posed as buyers for the iron sheets which had been labelled Office of the Prime Minister.
The prosecution has been led by Josephine Namatovu, the assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) whereas the accused’s defence team is led by Jude Byamukama.
Kitutu pleaded not guilty to the offense read to her by the Chief Magistrate Aciro of causing loss of public property, corruption and conspiracy to defraud.
While appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo, the prosecution has told court that the case was allegedly committed between June 2022 and January 2023.
The prosecutor has also asked court to issue criminal sermons against Joshua Abaho, a senior assistant secretary to Minister Kitutu who has also been charged with the duo.
Minister Kitutu’s legal team has asked court to grant their client bail on basis of being of advanced age of 61 years, prominent government figure who is also presumed innocent as she is not yet proven guilty.
The minister presented four sureties including her husband, Micheal Goerge Kitutu with whom they have been married since June 4, 1988 and they have seven children and grandchildren.
Kitutu is a resident of Bunga in Makindye Division, Kampala Capital City Authority.
