High Court Charges Minister Lugoloobi with Two Counts of Dealing with Stolen Property

The High Court Anti Corruption Division has charged Hon Amos Lugoloobi the state minister for finance, with 2 counts of dealing with suspected iron sheets that were meant to empower vulnerable communities in Karamoja.

Appearing before Justice Margaret Tibulya, to answer to the charges, minister Lugoloobi denied any connection to the  700 pieces of pre-painted iron sheets in question.

The prosecution alleges at Lugoloobi while at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) stores in Namanve in Mukono district and at different places in Matuga, Wakiso district and Ntenjeru North Constituency in Kayunga district dealt with government property that is 700 pre-painted iron sheets marked 'Office of the Prime Minister'.

According to the prosecution, the iron sheets were obtained in two phases with one involving 400 iron sheets between July 14, 2022, and February 2023, and another batch of 300 iron sheets obtained between February 1, 2023, and March 16, 2023. He was granted a cash bail of Shs 10 million and his movements were restricted within Uganda, unless with permission from the court.

On July 4, 2023, Lugoloobi filed an application seeking to relax the orders issued by acting senior principal grade one magistrate Abert Asiimwe. He asked court to return his diplomatic passport indefinitely since his line of work requires him to travel all the time.

The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions ODPP dropped 17 case files saying there was insufficient evidence, leaving Hon Amos Lugoloobi, Hon Agnes Nandutu and Hon Mary Goretti Kitutu.