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The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala is set to resume the hearing of the case involving Finance State Minister Amos Lugoloobi on March 12, 2024. Lugoloobi, who also serves as the Ntenjeru North MP, faces two counts of dealing with suspect property, as per Section 21A of the Anti-Corruption Act, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment upon conviction.
High Court Judge Margaret Tibulya presides over the case, with Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya prosecuting while defence lawyer Tonny Tumukunde represents the minister.
Allegations against Lugoloobi suggest that between July 14, 2022, and February 28, 2023, he dealt with government property—400 pre-painted iron sheets—suspected to have been acquired through the loss of public property. Another accusation involves 300 pre-painted iron sheets dealt with between February 1, 2023, and March 16, 2023, also suspected to have been obtained through public property loss.
Evidence indicates that Lugoloobi received two batches of 300 iron sheets each, one from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on July 15, 2022, and another from the Karamoja affairs ministry on February 1, 2023. These sheets, bearing OPM markings, were allegedly found at the minister’s premises, including his cow shed, prompting investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
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On February 28, 2023, Lugoloobi reportedly began de-roofing a structure using the iron sheets, but the State House Anti-Corruption Unit intervened, impounding the sheets during a raid on his residence.
Table: Summary of Allegations and Evidence
| Allegations | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Dealing with government property | Receipt of 400 pre-painted iron sheets |
| Receipt of 300 pre-painted iron sheets | |
| Iron sheets bearing OPM markings found at home | |
| Impounded iron sheets during raid |
The resumption of the case underscores ongoing efforts to address corruption allegations within Uganda’s governmental institutions. As proceedings continue, the outcome will be closely watched for its implications on accountability and integrity in public office.
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