State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Amos Lugoloobi, has been granted bail by the Anti-Corruption Court in the iron sheets case.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Amos Lugoloobi, has been released on a cash bail of Shs10 million by the Anti-Corruption Court grade one Magistrate Ebert Asiimwe on charges related to the diversion of iron sheets meant to benefit vulnerable communities of Karamoja.
Charges and plea
Lugoloobi was charged with two counts of dealing with government property between July 14, 2022, and February 28, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Bail conditions
Acting Principal Senior Grade One Magistrate Ebert Asiimwe granted Lugoloobi bail on conditions that he will pay a cash bail of Shs10m, surrender his original land title, not leave the country without the court’s knowledge and permission, and surrender his original and diplomatic passport to the court.
The applicant is also cautioned to desist from interfering with prosecution witnesses when the case is being heard until it is finalized.
Sureties and adjournment
The applicant will be bonded by six sureties, including EALA MP James Kakooza, Namutumba Woman MP Mariam Naigaga, Dr. Kefa Kiwanuka, MP for Kiboga East, and others. The case was adjourned until June 2, 2023.
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Magistrate’s ruling
Magistrate Asiimwe delivered his verdict, stating that being an influential person should not deny the accused liberty, especially on allegations without evidence being brought in court.
He clarified that ”When court grants an accused bail, it is not an acquittal”. He added that “When you are subjected to these processes of the law, please accept that we are doing our work.”
Previous bail granted
Lugoloobi is the second minister in this evolving iron sheets scandal to be granted bail. Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu was released on bail after spending eight days behind bars.
The iron sheets scandal has implicated several high-profile government officials, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and 22 other ministers, 30-plus MPs, and several officials.
Lugoloobi was released on a cash bail of Shs10 million ($2,800) after being charged with two counts of dealing with government property – a total of 700 pre-painted iron sheets marked ‘Office of the Prime Minister’ – between July 2022 and February 2023.
VIDEO: The Anti-Corruption Court has granted Minister Amos Lugoloobi a UGX 10 million cash bail and each of the six sureties bonded to UGX 100 million non-cash.
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