MP Nandutu’s Brother on the Run as Court Issues Arrest Warrant.

By Amos Ssemuwemba

A nationwide manhunt is underway for John Watenga, brother and farm manager of former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, after the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala issued an arrest warrant yesterday.

Watenga failed to appear in court during a hearing related to the iron sheets scandal, despite being last seen at Nandutu’s farm in Mukono District, where the contested iron sheets were allegedly recovered. The warrant was requested by state attorney David Bisamunyu, who stressed Watenga’s critical role in the ongoing investigation.

In addition, the court issued criminal summons against Nandutu, who also failed to attend the hearing. Both Nandutu and Watenga must appear in court on 6 November 2024. The case involves allegations that Nandutu misappropriated 2,000 iron sheets from the Office of the Prime Minister, intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja.

With Nandutu out on bail, the authorities are intensifying efforts to locate Watenga, whose testimony could be pivotal in the case. The November court date is expected to be a crucial turning point in this high-profile corruption scandal.