Former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu has been sentenced to four years in prison by the Anti-Corruption Court over her role in the diversion of iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
The court found that Nandutu was culpable in the mismanagement of 2,000 iron sheets that were earmarked for relief support to households in the Karamoja sub-region, which has been grappling with recurring drought and humanitarian challenges.
Her conviction follows investigations initiated in 2023 by the Anti-Corruption Unit at State House, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The probe examined allegations of diversion and improper distribution of government relief items meant for targeted beneficiaries.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court barred Nandutu from holding public office for a period of 10 years.
The ruling is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to strengthen accountability in the management of public resources and curb corruption in government programmes.
Prosecutors presented evidence linking the former minister to the diversion of the materials, which were part of a government intervention programme aimed at supporting vulnerable communities affected by harsh climatic conditions.
The case has been among several high-profile corruption prosecutions drawing public attention to governance and transparency in the distribution of relief supplies.
Authorities have maintained that the outcome reflects continued enforcement action against the misuse of public resources, particularly those intended for social protection programmes.
The judgment was delivered by the Anti-Corruption Court on Friday afternoon.