Uganda: Minister Detained In Prison On Corruption Charges Denied Bail

Karamoja Affairs Minister, Dr Mary Goretti Kitutu was on Wednesday denied bail by the Anti-Corruption Court over lack of substantial sureties.

Kitutu's lawyers, led by Micheal Wamasebu, a former deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), John Musiime, and Jude Byamukama, last week cited ill health, her advanced age of 61, having a permanent residence in Bunga within the jurisdiction of the court, and handing over two land titles, each measuring half an acre, in Wakiso District, as grounds for her release on bail.

However, the presiding magistrate, Marion Aciro, kept up the case today, citing a lack of time to evaluate the extensive bail arguments filed by both her counsel and the State.

Three of her sureties, including her husband, George Kitutu, were unable to demonstrate financial competence to stand surety in such a matter.

The case has been rescheduled for Friday, April 14, 2023, when the sureties are anticipated to produce their credentials for the court to decide whether or not to give the minister bail.

The minister, who has been at the centre of a controversy for more than two months for allegedly diverting iron sheets destined for vulnerable people in Karamoja, was sent to Luzira prison last Thursday. 

According to the charge sheet handed to the court last week, Minister Kitutu faces two counts of loss of public property and one count of conspiracy to defraud. 

She is charged alongside her younger brother Michael Naboya Kitutu and Joshua Abaho, senior assistant secretary in the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office.