Minister Lugoloobi defends use of iron sheets for community projects

State Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Amos Lugoloobi, has defended his use of iron sheets intended for vulnerable people in Karamoja, insisting that they were part of a community project and not for personal use, as alleged by the prosecution.

Appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court for the second time, presided over by Justice Jane Kajuga, Minister Lugoloobi explained that the 700 iron sheets in question were received through affirmative action to roof a goat shed for a community project he established to help alleviate poverty in his constituency. He added that the iron sheets were also used for roofing schools and churches.

“I was given the iron sheets through Ms Hawa Mawaya, without any indication that they were meant for someone else. The discretion of how to use them was left to me because the delivery note did not specify where or how they should be used,” Lugoloobi told the court.

He further stated, "I had no knowledge at all that the iron sheets were meant for Karamoja. There was nothing to suggest they were designated for Karamoja—there wasn’t even a note indicating that."

Lugoloobi also provided a detailed background on the economic development of his constituency, Ntenjeru North in Kayunga District, since he first became an MP in 2011. This, he said, was to offer context for his actions regarding the iron sheets.

In his defense, which lasted over six hours, the minister justified his use of the OPM-branded iron sheets for the goat project, schools, and churches. He explained that the iron sheets were obtained through legitimate channels, including lobbying and acquiring them from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) stores.

Lugoloobi continued by recounting how the iron sheet controversy became public. He revealed that he received a call from Brigadier General Henry Isoke, head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, asking to meet him. They met later that day, and during the meeting, Gen Isoke informed him that he had benefited from iron sheets meant for Karamoja. Lugoloobi confirmed that he had received the iron sheets but was unaware that they were intended for another region.

“We discussed two options: returning the iron sheets or purchasing new ones. Buying new iron sheets was considered a form of restitution for the ones used for roofing the school and animal house,” Lugoloobi explained. He added that it was after this discussion that he learned he was not entitled to the iron sheets, which led to the decision to replace them.

Minister Lugoloobi further testified that, contrary to allegations, he did not attempt to hide the iron sheets. He cited a Luganda proverb, "Akatali kabbe amagumba olya osuula mulyango," meaning, “What is not stolen, you eat the meat and throw the bones at the door.” He explained that he had no reason to hide the iron sheets and was confident that no one would accuse him of theft.

Justice Kajuga has adjourned the case to March 13 for further hearings of Mr Lugoloobi’s defense.