The Anti-Corruption Court has issued criminal summons for John Wetanga, the farm manager to the former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu. Wetanga has been ordered to appear on July 1, 2024, to testify against his boss in the ongoing iron sheets case.
Nandutu, who also serves as the Bududa District Woman MP, is accused of diverting 2,000 pieces of iron sheets meant for Karamoja Community Empowerment Programs. The prosecution asserts that Wetanga is a crucial witness, having been present during a police search at Nandutu’s farmhouse in Kkola Cell, Bulwanyi Parish, Mukono District, on March 24, 2023. During this search, authorities recovered 1,617 iron sheets.
However, according to prosecutor David Bisamunyu, Wetanga has refused to come to court to testify. Bisamunyu informed presiding Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga that he has three more prosecution witnesses to present before closing the case against Nandutu. The other pending witnesses include the investigating officer, Jennifer Nakatudde, who is currently on maternity leave after a cesarean section, and John Wetanga, who has been elusive.
In response to Wetanga’s absence, Justice Kajuga advised the prosecution to use all available legal means to compel the witness to testify. Consequently, Bisamunyu applied to the court for Wetanga to be summoned. So far, eight prosecution witnesses have testified against Nandutu.
The case revolves around allegations that Nandutu dealt with suspect property, specifically the 2,000 iron sheets she allegedly received from the Prime Minister’s Office at Namanve stores in Mukono District in June 2022. These iron sheets were intended for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programs, but Nandutu is accused of diverting them for personal use.
The iron sheets scandal has drawn significant public and media attention, highlighting issues of corruption and misuse of government resources. The court proceedings against Nandutu are seen as part of broader efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability among public officials.
As the case continues, the testimony of John Wetanga is anticipated to be a critical component of the prosecution's evidence. His firsthand account of the events during the police search at Nandutu’s farmhouse is expected to shed light on the alleged diversion of the iron sheets.
The court's decision to summon Wetanga underscores the importance of witness testimony in ensuring a fair and comprehensive trial. With the next hearing scheduled for July 1, 2024, all eyes will be on Wetanga and the additional witnesses as the prosecution works to build its case against the former minister.
