Bugisu leaders concerned over Nandutu imprisonment, vow to petition Museveni
“As a cultural institution, we request the President to demonstrate leniency to his cabinet minister, and that is the prayer of Bamasaba clan chairmen and the Bamasaba people,” Masiga said.
Mbale: Leaders from the Bugisu Cultural Institution have expressed concern over the imprisonment of former minister Mary Goretti Kitutu Kimono Nandutu and pledged to petition President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for leniency and possible pardon.
Speaking to journalists in Mbale, Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, said Hon. Nandutu presented an emotional mitigation before court which, according to him, should have been considered before sentencing.
Masiga explained that Nandutu informed court that she is a single mother with more than seven children below the age of 15 years under her custody. He added that she also cited poor health, including severe diabetes, as well as the illness of her mother.
According to Masiga, the former minister reportedly appealed for mercy, arguing that she voluntarily reported to the Anti-Corruption Court, accepted responsibility, and requested a non-custodial sentence as a first-time offender in a white-collar case.
“As a cultural institution, we request the President to demonstrate leniency to his cabinet minister, and that is the prayer of Bamasaba clan chairmen and the Bamasaba people,” Masiga said.
Masiga further argued that Nandutu had shown remorse by refunding the money in question and accepting culpability. He cited principles of criminal justice, saying the punishment should consider rehabilitation and reconciliation.
He also criticized the court’s rejection of the statutory fine option, describing it as part of the spirit of the law. Masiga said the Bugisu Cultural Institution advocates for alternative justice systems such as mediation and plea bargaining in both civil and criminal matters.
The imprisonment of Hon. Nandutu has sparked mixed reactions across Uganda, especially on social media platforms, where some Ugandans have called for forgiveness while others support the court’s decision.
Recently, during a clan leaders’ meeting in Manafwa District attended by over 100 clan chairpersons, the Jude Mike Mudoma reportedly pledged to engage President Museveni on the matter.
Masiga said the cultural institution intends to formally meet the President to discuss what they describe as concerns affecting the Bugisu sub-region, including Nandutu’s imprisonment.
“Whereas we do not condone criminality as a cultural institution, on the issue of Hon. Nandutu, I am already in touch with the powers that be,” Umukuka Mudoma reportedly told clan chairpersons during the meeting.
Under Article 121 of the Constitution of Uganda, the President has powers to pardon convicted persons upon advice from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
Hon. Nandutu was recently convicted by the Anti-Corruption Court over abuse and mismanagement of public office related charges.
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