Kampala – Uganda Prisons Services have dispelled rumors that the State Minister for Karamoja Agnes Nandutu attempted to escape from prison.
On Wednesday last week, the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo, Kampala remanded Nandutu to Luzira prison following her arrest over the diversion of iron sheets meant to be relief items for the people of Karamoja.
She was charged with dealing with suspect property contrary to section 21A (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act,2009 (As Amended) before she was committed to High Court for trial.
The minister was then remanded until May 3, 2023, when she’s expected to appear before court for mention of her case.
However, rumors made rounds on social media that Nandutu tried to escape from the prison and was caught at the gate.
Addressing a joint security press conference at police headquarters in Kampala, Frank Baine the Uganda Prisons Services spokesperson refuted the allegations noting that the minister hasn’t in any way attempted to disobey or run away from justice.
“We are here to clarify that Hon Nandutu has never attempted to escape from the prison and she’s cooperating with us. She’s being managed like other inmates so please let’s stop the speculation,” he said
Nandutu is among the three ministers that have been remanded over the Karamoja iron sheets saga, the others being Amos Lugoloobi, Finance State Minister for planning and Gorreti Kitutu the Karamoja affairs minister. Lugoloobi and Kitutu have since been released on bail.
