Amos Lugolobi Charged with 2 counts, remanded
Minister of State for Planning, Amos Lugolobi who was arrested on Friday while he traveled to Entebbe International Airport, has just been brought to Anti Corruption at Kololo. He has been remanded till 20th April, 2023.
The Finance Minister, who is also a representative member for Ntenjeru north, Kayunga District in the Ugandan 11th Parliament, is the second minister to be charged over Karamoja iron sheets saga.
Lugolobi has been charged with 2 counts. Dealing with suspect property contrary to section 21 (a) of Anti Corruption Act. Prosecution alleges that between July 14, 2022 and February 28, 2023 and February 1, 2023 and March 16, 2023 at the office of the Prime Minister store’s in Namanvr at different places in Matugga and Kayunga, Lugolobi dealt with government property including 700 pre-painted iron sheets having reason to believe that they were acquired as a result of loss of Public property under section 10 (1)of the Anti Corruption Act.
Lugolobi who looked frail had a cannula on his left hand, which suggested or showed he was on medication. As we compiled this, court was processing his bail application. However, the trial judge adjourned court, saying he needed enough time to read all submissions. He therefore. remanded Lugolobi till Thursday this week.
Defense lawyers tell court that Amos Lugolobi is a heart patient, who should be kept under strict health control.
Lugoloobi was on Friday arrested in connection with the mismanagement of iron sheets meant for the Karachunas (youth warriors) in Karamoja.
“Criminal charges against Hon Amos Lugoloobi, the State Minister for Planning, were sanctioned and consented to by the DPP in respect of the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, and the DPP directed the police to produce him in court for plea,” DPP Spokesperson Jackie Okui said.
She added that the DPP’s office is still processing the case files for other suspects implicated in the scandal that has since sucked in dozens of Cabinet ministers, MPs and chief administrative officers (CAOs).
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