State Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Amos Lugoloobi, has defended his decision to use iron sheets meant for the Karamoja sub-region, insisting they were used for community development projects in Kayunga district.
Appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court, Lugoloobi argued that Kayunga is part of the war triangle regions and, therefore, qualified to receive assistance from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
He denied any wrongdoing, stating that he had no prior knowledge that the iron sheets were specifically allocated to Karamoja.
The minister, who also serves as the MP for Ntenjeru North, testified that he used the materials to support an economic and social empowerment initiative.
He revealed that some sheets were donated to New Hope Primary School for roofing, while others were used for a goat shelter under a community project.
“If you take a goat and eat it when you have not stolen it, you are at liberty to throw bones at the entrance of your house without someone bothering you,” Lugoloobi remarked in court, drawing laughter from attendees.
He further stated that he initially intended to use 300 iron sheets for a parish church roof but later returned them to OPM stores in Namanve after President Yoweri Museveni issued a directive.
“I committed myself to get alternative iron sheets for the church,” he added.
Lugoloobi maintained that his receipt of the iron sheets was formal and cleared by OPM, with an official delivery note issued.
He dismissed allegations that he attempted to de-roof the goat shelter to destroy evidence, calling such claims baseless.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Josephine Namatovu, has charged Lugoloobi with two counts of dealing with suspect property, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison upon conviction.
The minister also refuted police allegations that the goat shelter was for private use, asserting that it was a public initiative benefiting the community.
He criticized the police officer who made the claim, saying the officer did not engage with him or the project stakeholders before drawing conclusions.
Due to health concerns linked to lingering COVID-19 effects, Lugoloobi requested an adjournment, which Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga granted. The case will resume on March 13, with the minister’s bail extended.
Case Background
Lugoloobi reportedly received 600 iron sheets in two batches—300 from OPM on July 15, 2022, and another 300 from the Karamoja Affairs Ministry on February 1, 2023.
The prosecution alleges that between July 2022 and March 2023, he dealt with government property, knowing it was linked to the loss of public resources.
Despite the allegations, Lugoloobi maintains that his actions were justified and that the iron sheets were used for legitimate community development purposes.
