Former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu should undergo an independent medical examination at Mulago National Referral Hospital, the Anti-Corruption Court has ordered.
The ruling was made by Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga after court received conflicting claims about Nandutu’s health.
Nandutu failed to take the stand to defend herself against allegations of being in possession of government-owned iron sheets meant for vulnerable youth (Karacunas) in the Karamoja sub-region.
Nandutu is among several high-profile figures implicated in the infamous Karamoja iron sheets scandal that rocked the government last year.
According to prosecution, dozens of iron sheets intended for humanitarian relief efforts in Karamoja were illegally diverted and later recovered from various government officials’ homes — including Nandutu’s.
In court, her legal team claimed the former minister was in poor health and unfit to proceed with her defense, citing severe breathing complications. However, the prosecution presented a contradicting medical report indicating that Nandutu was physically stable and capable of attending court proceedings.
Frustrated by the inconsistencies, Justice Kajuga criticized Nandutu’s lawyers for what she called “a lack of seriousness and professionalism,” and dismissed their request for a private audience to explain the minister’s medical condition.
“This court cannot proceed on speculation. We need verified, independent medical findings,” the judge ruled.
As a result, the court ordered Nandutu to be evaluated at Mulago National Referral Hospital and instructed both her and her legal team to return on May 5th, 2025, with the official report in hand. The case will proceed with the defense hearing based on the results of this examination.
