Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has issued an arrest warrant for John Watenga, the brother and farm manager of Agnes Nandutu, the former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs.
The warrant was granted by Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga during a hearing on Friday, following a request from State Attorney David Bisamunyu.
Watenga, who was reportedly at Nandutu’s farm in Mukono District when iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja were discovered, has been elusive since May 2024.
In addition to Watenga’s arrest warrant, Justice Kajuga issued criminal summons for Nandutu, who is facing charges related to dealing with suspect property. Both Nandutu and her legal representatives were absent from court.
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The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 6, 2024, by which time both Watenga and Nandutu are required to appear. To date, nine prosecution witnesses have testified in the ongoing case.
The charges against Nandutu stem from allegations that in June 2022, she was involved in the handling of 2,000 pre-painted iron sheets, gauge 28, owned by the Ugandan government, at the Office of the Prime Minister’s stores in Namanve and Kkola Cell, Bulwanyi Parish, Mukono District. Nandutu is currently out on bail.
