State Minister for Finance in charge of Planning Amos Lugoloobi has been charged with two counts related to dealing with stolen property and remanded until April 20 when he’s expected to be produced in court again following his arrest over Karamoja iron sheets scandal.
Lugoloobi, who appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court on Monday, 17 April 2023, pleaded not guilty to the two counts related to dealing with suspected stolen property, contrary to Section 21 (a) of the Anti-Corruption Act as amended.
His lawyers’ attempt to secure his bail fell on deaf ears.
“I wish to submit that the accused is a Member of Parliament. He doesn’t only have responsibilities to his family but to the country as a whole. If he’s denied bail, his family, constituency and ministry will be affected,” Lugoloobi’s lawyer said.
But the prosecution objected to the bail claims, saying the sureties were not substantial and the minister was likely to flee the country. The magistrate agreed with the state and sent him on remand.
The courtroom filled to capacity with fellow legislators, friends and family as Lugoloobi stood in the dock to take plea. Lugoloobi was arrested on Friday over mismanagement of iron sheets meant for Karamoja.
Mr Lugoloobi, who is also the Ntenjeru North County MP, reportedly received 600 iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people in Karamoja Sub-region.
In February, the minister admitted to have used some of the iron sheets to roof a shed for his goats on his farm in Misanga Village, Bbaale Sub-county in Kayunga District.
He, however, removed them after there was public outcry over the ministers who allegedly diverted the iron sheets.
Mr Lugoloobi is the second minister to be arrested over the mismanagement of the building materials.
Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu, who is at the centre of the scandal, was last Friday was released on cash bail of Shs10m after spending a week in Luzira prison.
Junior Karamoja Affairs minister Agnes Nandutu is also expected to be charged.
