They say it is lonely at the top, but they never specify which top—perhaps the top of trouble. That is precisely where Mary Goretti Kitutu, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, finds herself today.
On 23 January 2023, Kitutu was in high spirits, moving through the walls of Entebbe State House and informing fellow ministers that a wind had shaken a mango tree, scattering fruit everywhere. From a logical standpoint, she was simply recording her name in the “good books” of the class monitor. Her list of recipients for this good news included the Minister of Finance, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, the Government Chief Whip, the Vice President, and close relatives. This distribution strategy was a masterstroke, securing her support both at home and abroad and providing enough “lucky fuel” for a few weeks—until the scandal erupted.
**Iron‑Sheets scandal breaks out**
On 12 February, a joint operation by the Internal Security Organization, Uganda Police, and the State House Anti‑Corruption Unit arrested Kitutu’s brother, mother, and nephew after they were found selling iron sheets meant for relief. A further batch of sheets was discovered in the family home, leading to additional arrests.
**Fumbling and influence‑peddling**
Although Kitutu’s mother and brother were detained, police remained silent, and the officials overseeing the operation were initially pressured to stay quiet. Kitutu still wielded power, and she managed to negotiate her mother’s release by claiming she was frail and too old to “dance to the loud music.” Shortly thereafter, Permanent Secretary Keith Muhakanizi issued a statement urging the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to cooperate with investigations into the alleged diversion of iron sheets. His non‑committal remarks hinted that the sheets might differ from those officially allocated for relief.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja continued to defend Kitutu, explaining that the OPM houses many affirmative‑action ministries that procure “various items, including iron sheets, for specific interventions to address gaps in livelihood and infrastructure.” In a televised interview, Nabbanja insisted that while some officials had previously received iron sheets, those were not the same sheets intended for Karamoja. She argued that the sheets came from different donors and had been distributed transparently over time, urging investigators to focus on those who had not received them.
**Muhakanizi’s revelation**
On 13 February, Muhakanizi confirmed that Kitutu’s private assistant had requested 12,200 iron sheets via WhatsApp. He wrote that the decision to issue the sheets to the named beneficiaries was based on this communication, and pledged stronger due‑diligence to prevent a recurrence.
**Cabinet discussion and further fallout**
On 6 March, a cabinet meeting gave Nabbanja the floor to explain the scandal to President Museveni, who had questioned Kitutu’s deputy, Agnes Nandutu. Museveni repeatedly referred to Nandutu and Kitutu as “abeefi,” a Lugisu term for thieves, and ordered criminal investigations into the beneficiaries. He argued that Parliament should not involve itself, emphasizing that the matter was for the police.
Following the President’s directives, the protective wall around Kitutu began to crumble. Minister Amos Lugolobi withdrew iron sheets from his property, calling them “evil.” Minister Kasaija claimed he never applied for the sheets and was surprised to find them delivered, insisting he would provide evidence of the donation. Speaker Anita Among decided to return 500 sheets, stating she had bought them personally after learning they were meant for Karamoja, not Bukedea. Vice President Jessica Alupo denied ever requesting iron sheets and expressed shock at being named among the alleged thieves. Prime Minister Rukia Isanga Nakadama admitted receiving sheets after a verbal request from Kitutu but refused to return them. Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua distanced himself, saying he was offered sheets verbally by Kitutu in the State House corridors and denied any involvement in mismanagement. Minister Otafiire dismissed the allegations, calling anyone linking him to the scandal “out of their mind.” Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa urged a TV panel not to drag him into the matter. Security Minister Jim Muhwezi called the accusations “rubbish,” and the Deputy Attorney General said he was not “that cheap.” Attempts to implicate another 30 legislators failed, as each claimed ignorance.
**Kitutu left alone and frightened**
With allies abandoning her, Kitutu faced the Presidential Affairs Committee alone. She apologized for the misappropriation of iron sheets, stating: “In my capacity as Minister for Karamoja Affairs, some iron sheets meant for the Karamoja region were given outside the region in response to requests. This may have been an oversight, but guidance has now been provided to ensure it does not recur.” Disowned by colleagues, she now stands on thin glass, isolated as those around her jump away.
**A lonely road ahead**
Coincidentally, Kitutu’s plight mirrors the crucifixion of Jesus, with Good Friday approaching and the Director of Public Prosecutions poised to prosecute. She walks a solitary path to Calvary, bearing a corrupt cross and the betrayals of those who once shared the “last iron sheets supper.” She has chosen silence to protect others, claiming they too were unaware of their actions.
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