End of Karamoja Iron sheets story - as DPP closed 17 files.

The director of public prosecutions (DPP), Jane Francis Abodo has confirmed that 17 files of senior government officials allegedly involved in the Karamoja iron sheet scam have been closed after a thorough investigation.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and State House Anti–Corruption Unit (SHACU) have revealed that out of the 20 files that were under investigation, only three are valid and investigations are still going on.

This was disclosed today 24th June 2023 during a press conference at her office in Kampala. 

In March 2023, both ODDP and CID commenced investigations into the alleged diversion and mismanagement of iron sheets and other relief items meant for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme, at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

The investigation into the matter was launched immediately after a list of govt officials allegedly involved in the iron was availed on directives of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The ODPP opened files against 23 people allegedly involved in the crimes. 

The first to be charged was Karamojja Minister of Affairs Mary Gorette Kittutu and her brother. Others included Deputy Finance Minister Amos Lugoloobi and State minister  Karamojja affairs, Agnes Nandutu.

However, there have been many questions in the country about the state of the iron sheets case handling, which has prompted the DPP, Justice Jane Francis Abodo to clarify.

The DPP revealed that 17 files have been closed after a serious investigation, she said during the investigation they found out that some of the iron sheets were not from the Ministry of Karamojja affairs and other file lucked evidence.

Among the government officials who were implicated in the scandal include:-  The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, Lukia Nakadama, Minister of East Africa, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga and many others.

The DPP further noted that  So far, 6,100 iron sheets have been returned in person, another 2,295 recovered from the accused 's families and 5,105 yet to be recovered.