Karamoja iron sheets trial: Minister Lugoloobi alleges witch hunt in prosecution
State Minister for Finance Amos Luboloobi leaves the Anti- Corruption court on January 28, 2025 where he started his defence in the Karamoja iron sheets case. PHOTO / ABUBAKER LUBOWA
What you need to know:
- Some of the key government officials the DPP excluded from her list of prosecution are; Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, among others, reasoning that there was no incriminating evidence that was found to merit their prosecution.
The State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Amos Lugoloobi has contended he is being witch hunted after he was reportedly selectively prosecuted for his alleged involvement in the diversion of 700 iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people in Karamoja sub region.
While appearing at the Anti-Corruption Court presided over by Justice Jane Kajuga , Mr Lugoloobi who on Tuesday took the witness stand to defend himself pointed out the apparent double standards, highlighting that two of his colleagues who also received the iron sheets have not been subjected to any prosecution.
“There are some of my colleagues like Minister Matia Kasaija and Henry Musasizi whom I work with in the same office and are beneficiaries of the iron sheets but they have never been prosecuted,” Mr Lugoloobi who opted to give sworn evidence told the court.
Ntenjeru north (Kayunga District) MP who is facing two charges of dealing with suspect property also mentioned names of other MPs and officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) like the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Minister of state for Northern Uganda Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny and the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Oboth Oboth, among others whom he said were never prosecuted yet they allegedly benefitted from the said iron sheets bonanza.
Mr Lugoloobi who was guided by his lawyer, Mr John Isabirye also tendered in court a letter dated April 3, 2023 which was signed by President Museveni and addressed to Ms Nabbanja and copied to all his ministers directing all the people who received the iron sheets to return them to the OPM stores or to reimburse the amount of money worth what they had taken.
In the said letter, the president also directed police to take on criminal investigations and promised to take political action against those who had received the iron sheets.
“As per the president's directive I returned 300 iron sheets that were not yet used and those that were already in use I got specifications from the supplier and I bought new ones which I delivered to OPM stores,” Mr Lugoloobi told court.
The minister explained to court that his role is to make policies relevant for economic transformation of the society in numerous areas such as economic services, climate and natural resources in general, among others and as a legislator, he has to lobby for constituents and give direct support to the district.
“We are given specific responsibilities as ministers and my role in the ministry of Finance is planning and mobilizing at macro level finances and plans to achieve economic development and prosperity in the country and as an NRM legislator, one of our pillars is social Economic Transformation,” Mr Lugoloobi said.
Court heard that OPM oversees various ministries, including Disaster and Relief, and Regional Development ministries for areas affected by war, such as Luwero, Rwenzori, Teso, Northern Uganda and Bunyoro.
According to Mr Lugoloobi, Kayunga District in which his constituency falls is part of the Luwero triangle.
Mr Lugoloobi who denied having gone to the OPM to pick the iron sheets physically also told court that he looked at the prosecution exhibit and did not see anywhere mentioned that the iron sheets were meant for Karamoja.
“The document left it open for the recipient to utilize the iron sheets in any way he wants, depending on the needs of his constituents and it is the normal practice for the OPM to channel support to MPs although there are some exceptions and at times they support them with beans, flour, and iron sheets when places are hit by disaster and also in affirmative action,” Mr Lugoloobi said.
In 2023, DPP Jane Franes Abodo declined to sanctions files in respect to 17 government officials believed to have taken part in sharing the iron sheets meant for vulnerable people in the restive, mineral-rich North eastern sub region.
Some of the key government officials the DPP excluded from her list of prosecution are; Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, among others, reasoning that there was no incriminating evidence that was found to merit their prosecution.
The trial judge adjourned Mr Lugoloobi’s case to March 5 for further defence hearing.
