MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE AMOS LUGOLOOBI ALSO ARRESTED BY POLICE FOR IRON SHEETS SCANDAL

Police have arrested the second minister in connection for illegally acquiring the iron sheets meant for Karamoja Region.

“As a result, he was arrested and detained at Kira Division, awaiting court,” Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

According to the spokesperson, Lugoloobi’s arrest followed the Director of Prosecutions’ sanctions against him.

“Following an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft and tampering of steel plates targeting the Karamoja region, the DPP’s office has issued a sanction for criminal charges against Hon. Amos Lugolobi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development.”

The development comes on the back of the bail release of Karamoja Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu on Friday morning after she spent almost a week on bail.

He was charged with corruption and bankruptcy .

President Museveni recently said he would take “political action” against all those involved in the iron plate scam.

This has since been interpreted as their dismissal from the cabinet.

The Head of State also said that all those who used the equipment meant for Karamoja for the benefit of their constituents should return it or pay the equivalent in cash.

However, he noted that those who use them for personal gain should have more criminal charges against them.

Minister Lugolobi was one of the beneficiaries of the metal sheets in Karamoja when he used them to cover the roof of a cattle shed in Kayunga.

The scandal has triggered public outcry after metals meant to build low-cost houses for Karachuna in Karamoja were diverted by several politicians, including ministers.

Others involved in the scandal include Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and Karamoja State Minister Agnes Nandutu.

President Museveni recently described the act of diverting metals in Karamoja as illegal since these were targeted among others, the Karachuna(Karamojong fighters) as part of the government’s efforts to combat insecurity in the region.

He therefore noted that those involved in the scam could only be equated with those who were trying to weaken the government.

This document may partly explain the treatment of those involved, which differs from other scandals.

It remains to be seen whether all those involved will be prosecuted to the last resort.

by np

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