Dr Mary Goretti Kitutu, Minister of Karamoja Affairs, was denied bail on Wednesday by the Anti-Corruption Court for the absence of substantial sureties.
Ms Kitutu’s attorneys, led by Mr Micheal Wamasebu, a former deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP); Mr John Musiime, and Mr Jude Byamukama, cited ill health, the advanced age of 61, having a permanent residence in Bunga within the court’s jurisdiction, and submitting two land titles, each measuring half an acre, in Wakiso District as grounds for her release on bail last week.
Ms Marion Aciro, the presiding magistrate, had delayed the matter until today, citing insufficient time to examine the lengthy bail arguments presented by both her attorneys and the State.
Three of her sureties, including her husband, Mr George Kitutu, were unable to provide evidence of their financial ability to stand surety in this matter.
The case has been postponed until Friday, April 14, when the minister’s sureties are scheduled to present their credentials and the court will decide whether to grant bail.
The minister, who has been at the centre of controversy for more than two months for allegedly diverting iron sheets intended for vulnerable people in Karamoja, was sent to Luzira last Thursday after the presiding magistrate postponed the matter until today, citing insufficient time to review the lengthy bail arguments presented by both her lawyers and the State.
According to the charge sheet presented in court last week, Minister Kitutu is charged with two counts of loss of public property and one count of conspiracy to defraud.
She is charged alongside her younger sibling Michael Naboya Kitutu and Mr Joshua Abaho, the senior assistant secretary in the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office.
