Kampala, Uganda – The High Court on Monday rejected former Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Mary Kitutu’s appeal against her conviction in the Karamoja iron‑sheet scandal. Kitutu, who was found guilty of abuse of office for allegedly facilitating the illegal distribution of subsidised iron sheets in the Karamoja region, had argued that the case was politically motivated and that procedural errors had occurred during the trial. The presiding judge, Justice James Kintu, affirmed that the evidence presented was sufficient to uphold the original verdict and sentencing. Kitutu was sentenced to two years imprisonment and ordered to forfeit assets worth UGX 150 million. The decision has sparked reactions from civil society groups calling for stricter anti‑corruption measures, while the ruling party’s spokesperson said the judgment demonstrates the judiciary’s independence.
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