State Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Mr. Amos Lugoloobi, has lamented the damage to his four-decade-long reputation due to allegations surrounding his involvement in the distribution of 600 iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.
While testifying before the Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Justice Jane Kajuga, Mr. Lugoloobi described the ordeal as distressing and mentally exhausting.
He expressed shock upon learning that the iron sheets allocated to him and several other officials, including ministries and members of parliament, were not intended for them.
“I have built my name and reputation since 1986 when the ruling government came to power. It is heartbreaking that my name is being tarnished over 600 iron sheets, despite my efforts to return them,” Mr. Lugoloobi told the court.
The court heard that the minister complied with a directive from the President, who had ordered all recipients of the iron sheets to return them in their original state or provide replacements.
In his defense, Mr. Lugoloobi, through his lawyers, presented multiple correspondences from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), including letters signed by Undersecretary Mr. Geoffrey Sseremba.
The documents, addressed to MM Integrated Limited, detailed the minister’s request for iron sheets.
One letter from Mr. Sseremba acknowledged receipt of the sheets and confirmed that the OPM, through its disaster relief and affirmative action programs, was supporting various communities, including those in Mr. Lugoloobi’s constituency.
The minister emphasized that at no point did these official communications indicate that the iron sheets were exclusively designated for Karamoja or that they had been acquired improperly.
When asked whether he was aware of any wrongdoing in obtaining the iron sheets, Mr. Lugoloobi stated that he had no reason to suspect foul play.
He explained that the sheets had been received through his personal assistant and distributed within his constituency, believing them to be part of a government initiative.
The court also learned that while Kayunga District, where his constituency is located, was not a beneficiary of the Karamoja project, it did receive support under the OPM’s affirmative action programs.
Facing charges of dealing with suspect property, Mr. Lugoloobi revealed plans to present 14 witnesses in his defense.
The trial judge adjourned the case to May 27, when the state is expected to cross-examine the minister.
