Kitutu's Iron Sheet Trial Adjourned to October Amidst Ongoing Appeal

The trial involving former Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Gorreti Kitutu, accused of diverting government iron sheets, has been further delayed. The Anti-Corruption court, presided over by Justice David Makumbi, adjourned the proceedings to October 12, 2026.

Kitutu and her former personal assistant, Joshua Abaho, were present, but Kitutu’s brother, Michael Naboya Kitutu, who is jointly charged, was absent. His lawyer cited a clerical error in bail documentation that listed a non-existent date, leading to his non-attendance. The prosecution requested criminal summons for Naboya to ensure his appearance at future hearings.

Justice Makumbi also inquired about Kitutu’s ongoing appeal at the Court of Appeal. Kitutu is challenging a lower court’s decision that dismissed her claim of rights violations during her arrest and subsequent investigations. Her lawyer confirmed the appeal is awaiting judgment, prompting the judge to adjourn the current trial until the appellate court makes its ruling.

This latest adjournment marks nearly two years since the trial began its delays, largely due to Kitutu’s appeal. The prosecution alleges that between June 2022 and January 2023, Kitutu, while minister, caused the loss of 9,000 iron sheets intended for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme, diverting them for personal benefit and that of third parties. Abaho is accused of facilitating the diversion of an additional 5,500 iron sheets.

Kitutu has maintained her innocence, alleging torture and rights violations during her arrest and interrogation. A previous application challenging her prosecution on these grounds was dismissed in November 2023 due to insufficient evidence. She has since appealed this decision, seeking to halt the criminal proceedings.

Kitutu remains the sole former minister facing trial in the iron sheets scandal, following the conviction of Agnes Nandutu and the acquittal of Amos Lugolobi.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)