In a recent legal development, Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu finds herself entangled in a dispute with the Inspectorate General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya. The clash stems from an alleged loss of Shs 1.5 billion, and Kitutu is now facing fresh criminal summons.
Background:
The Grade one magistrate, Christopher Opit, has summoned Kitutu to appear before the Anti-Corruption court on February 29. The charges relate to her alleged failure to perform duties between February and June 2022 as the minister for Karamoja Affairs. The prosecution claims she knew or had reason to believe that her omission would cause financial loss, ultimately resulting in a loss of Shs 1,555,365,000 to the government of Uganda.
Kitutu’s Defense:
In response, Kitutu has vehemently denied the accusations. She informed the court that she has been sick for nearly two weeks and reiterated her innocence. Emphasizing her role as a policy guide rather than an accounting officer, Kitutu challenged the IGG’s allegations, stating, “I am not a technical person and do not, therefore, get involved in the technical aspects of this role.”
Furthermore, she pointed out that she has never written any funding requests for peace-building activities in Karamoja. Kitutu asserted, “My role as a minister is to give policy guidance and not to get directly involved in the implementation of activities.”
Legal Maneuvering:
Kitutu’s lawyer, Jude Byamukama, argued that the IGG should be well aware of due process and the importance of unbiased investigations. He reminded Kamya of Kitutu’s previous case against the attorney general, where she challenged recommendations by the public accounts committee of parliament, ultimately leading to the court quashing a parliamentary recommendation against her.
The Larger Picture:
This is the second legal file against Kitutu in less than a year. The first case involves her implication in the diversion of iron sheets in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), with the trial set to begin next month. Kitutu has contested the summons issued by the IGG, and the ruling is expected on January 31.
Conclusion:
As the legal battle unfolds, Minister Kitutu faces a challenging period defending herself against allegations of financial mismanagement. The outcome of the court ruling on January 31 will undoubtedly have significant implications for her political career and the ongoing fight against corruption within the Ugandan government.