Former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, has opened her defence before the Anti-Corruption Court in relation to charges of theft involving iron sheets intended for impoverished communities under her docket.
Nandutu chose to give an unsworn testimony, which prevents the prosecution from cross-examining her.
In her testimony, she shifted part of the blame to her former Senior Minister, Mary Goretti Kitutu. Nandutu accused Kitutu of opposing her political ambitions during her time in the constituency and of refusing to support or guide her as a junior minister.
Nandutu had repeatedly delayed her defence citing ill-health. However, trial Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga ordered a comprehensive medical examination to verify her fitness.
On Monday this week, a medical report from Mulago National Referral Hospital cleared Nandutu as fit to continue with her defence.
Following the clearance, Judge Kajuga ordered her to commence her defence, which began today.
Nandutu faces charges of possession of suspected property, with the prosecution alleging that she diverted 2,000 iron sheets meant for empowerment projects in the Karamoja sub-region to her private farm.
She, alongside Minister Kitutu and State Minister for Finance Amos Lugolobi, are jointly facing charges before the Anti-Corruption Court.
Further defence hearings are scheduled for July 3.