By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
Director of Public Prosecution, Jane Frances Abodo on Saturday announced that she had closed 17 case files of some ministers and other top government officials implicated in the diversion of Karamoja iron sheets.
“17 case files have been closed and put away due to insufficiency of evidence. In considering the blameworthiness of the suspects, a number of factors were taken into account including the circumstances under which the iron sheets were received, the manner of use of iron sheets upon receipt, and refunds made in kind and cash,” Abodo said.
However, the decision to close the files has not received a worm welcome from different Opposition political groups and Anti-corruption Ugandans. They argue that the case was of public interest and straightforward to be thoroughly investigated and suspects prosecuted.
John Kikonyogo, deputy spokesperson for the FDC party told journalists on Monday that closing the 17 case files undermines faith of the public in the ODPP and puts the lives of Whistleblowers at greater risks.
“If individuals who expose corruption are not met with proper prosecution and accountability, it can deter others from stepping forward in the future”, he said
FDC appealed to the DPP to reconsider this decision and revisit the evidence and these officials are held accountable for their actions
Background
According to Abodo, 40 files were received from the police and the State House Anti-Corruption unit who were investigating the theft and diversion of the 14,500 iron sheets, but were reduced to 23. She noted that the closure of the 17 files were thoroughly screened, and it was discovered that there was lack of sufficient evidence to proceed with the cases.
She added that some politicians were also misled by their personal assistants and they had no knowledge about the iron sheets while others had previously as far as three years ago, written to OPM seeking relief items like iron sheets to roof different places for social service provisions in their constituencies but had not been given feedback.
She said when the iron sheets were distributed, they thought the items they had previously requested from OPM had finally been released to them making them innocent from Prosecution. Among the closed files include for the Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja, Vice President Maj. Gen. Jessica Alupo, Peaker Anitah Annet Among and finance minister Matia Kasaijs among others.
The DPP says they have now remained with only 6 cases, and so far three files have already been taken to the courts, and the suspects charged. The files include that of minister for Karamoja Mary Gorrette Kitutu, her state minister Agnes Nandutu and the state minister for finance Amos Lugoloobi. The other three files DPP Abodo said are for technocrats at the OPM but not politicians.
