The former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu has sought for leniency during sentencing before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, over diverting 2,000 iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
During her sentencing on Friday, Nandutu while addressing court asked for pardon from the people of Karamoja, government and all Ugandans, noting that she was misled into committing the offence.
“The Iron sheets that I received, after finding out that they were intended for the people of Karamoja, Lord, I willingly returned them, I willingly told police that I had them.
Nandutu further asked court for a non-custodial sentence, citing her deteriorating health condition and the obligation to look after her ailing mother, children and other family members.
“I’m a first-time offender, on such grounds, I would request this honourable court to have lenience on me. As you are aware, you know the history of my health, I have been in and out of hospital for a while, in court and up to date, my health is not okay, I’m still in and out of hospital” she said.
Nandutu told court that she has blood clots in her lungs which lead her to collapse at any time.
“I’m a single mother of young school-going children, I’m the only able person in the family to win bread for both my family, my local family, the children, orphans that I’ve been lifting from my siblings and my ailing mother who is about 80 years suffering from pressure” she said.
She noted that she is the only remaining child of her parents after her father died during the Karamoja court hearings which have left her family stressed.
“My father died at that moment, so am remaining with my ailing mother who is also not okay” she said.
However, the prosecution maintained its stance, asking court to impose a sentence of not less than five years, arguing that iron sheets remained in Nandutu’s possession for nine months, indicating that the offence was premeditated.
Prosecution has further dismissed the defence’s argument that returning the iron sheets should warrant leniency, contending that it was only after police intervention that the legislator handed them back.
The presiding trial Judge Jane Okuo has adjourned court proceedings until 3pm, when she will pass sentencing on the former minister.
