In an unexpected twist of events , the Office of Director Of Public Prosecutions has now come out to state that after investigations there is no sufficient evidence to prove a criminal case against 17 government top officials including ministers that were implicated in the Karamoja mbaati theft.
In a two page public statement , the DPP Hon. Justice Jane Frances Abodo, said seventeen (17) case files have been closed and put away due to insufficiency of evidence.
” In considering the blameworthiness of the suspects, a number of factors were taken into account including the circumstances under which the iron sheets were received, the manner of use of iron sheets upon receipt and refunds made in kind and cash,” she explained
Lady Justice Abodo said that three (3) case files are still under investigation and will be perused and determinations made upon the conclusion of the same.
According to the DPP 6,100 iron sheets have been refunded in kind, 1,000 paid in cash and 2,295 recovered from suspects’ homes. But another 5,105 iron sheets are yet to be recovered.
“For effective management of the widespread matter, it was decided that it be handled piecemeal. The twenty–three (23) case files directly involving the matter were opened up against several suspects, she explained .
Only three ministers have been charged in this national scandal . Minister for Karamoja ,Kitutu Mary Goretti was charged for of loss of public property, corruption and receiving stolen property . she was charged with two others including her brother .
Two other State Ministers Amos Lugoloobi and Agnes Nandutu are also in court on charges of dealing with suspect property , corruption among others .
