The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has summoned the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Mary Goretti Kitutu, to answer questions related to alleged supplementary funds released to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). This development occurs amidst an ongoing corruption trial against the minister, adding another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.
Chronology of Events
The summon comes in the wake of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court ordering a corruption trial against Minister Kitutu. The allegations against her involve the diversion of Karamoja iron sheets, a case that has been a subject of legal contention. The IGG’s summon specifically addresses the management of supplementary funds allocated to the OPM for peace-building activities in Karamoja Sub-region during the fiscal year 2021/22.
Details of the IGG Summon
The IGG has directed Minister Kitutu to appear at their office located at Jubilee Insurance Centre, Plot 14, Parliament Avenue, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 10 am. The summon instructs the minister to bring relevant documents or information pertaining to the utilization of supplementary funds for peace-building activities in Karamoja.
Legal Contestation
In response to the summon, one of Minister Kitutu’s lawyers, Mr. Jude Byamukama, asserts that they are contesting the IGG’s action on the grounds of potential double jeopardy. He argues that the investigations overlap with the ongoing prosecution regarding the Karamoja iron sheets, a matter currently under the jurisdiction of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The legal challenge emphasizes the right to a fair trial, citing Article 28 (1).
Relevance of Article 28 (9)
Article 28 (9) is referenced, highlighting that a person previously tried for a criminal offense and either convicted or acquitted shall not face a similar offense unless ordered by a superior court. However, Mr. Byamukama focuses on Article 28 (1) concerning the right to a fair hearing in their legal contestation.
Background on Corruption Charges
The corruption charges against Minister Kitutu, her brother Michael Naboya Kitutu, and Mr. Joshua Abaho, a Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs in OPM, stem from the alleged diversion of 14,500 iron sheets intended for vulnerable individuals in Karamoja. The charges include causing the loss of public property and conspiracy to defraud.
