KAMPALA, Uganda | The Anti-Corruption Court has ordered Mulago National Referral Hospital to conduct an independent medical examination for former Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, and provide a report within two weeks.

Justice Jane Kajuga issued the orders on Monday afternoon after Nandutu failed to begin defending herself, citing illness, but instead pleaded with the judge to meet her in private and show her the extent of her sickness in court.

Nandutu’s lawyers, led by Nadah Wamukota, told the judge that, according to medical advice, Nandutu was supposed to be resting at that time.

” Your Lordship, if it pleases you, the accused would want to speak to you, and you would listen to her, other than hearing from her lawyers alone.” Nanda said when Nandutu was given an opportunity to speak.

My medical condition is not a usual sickness like malaria or anything else, but it keeps attacking, and when the advice of her medical doctors is not adhered to, it can even kill. She then pleaded with the judge, “I want to show you in private, as a fellow woman; I know you will understand. I can’t tell the condition in private, and I can’t show you when men are here. But my health is not okay.

Justice Kajuga ruled that an independent examination be carried out at Mulago, stating that she could not meet Nandutu in private or assess her medical state independently. According to the judge, a previous report from Nandutu was in good health, although unable to withstand stressful conditions.

“I have a feeling that when a court makes a ruling, the defence gets a way of passing it to delay the trial. I regret to say that the conduct of the defence can do better,’ said Justice Kajuga.

Kajuga said that both the accused and her lawyers had made allegations without presenting supporting documents. She also emphasised that the defence must now prepare witnesses and be ready to commence the defence at the next hearing without excuses.

The judge also ordered the prosecution, led by State Attorney David Bisamunyu, to work together with the defence and ensure that an independent report is produced. Bisamunyu told the court that the prosecution had previously written to Nandutu’s private doctor but needed to compel Mulago to conduct the examination.

The case has been adjourned to the 5th of May, 2025. Nandutu is expected to defend herself following a 2022 court ruling that she had a case of dealing with a suspect property. The prosecution alleges that Nandutu received 2000 pre-painted iron sheets, which were meant for implementing peace-building activities between February and June 2022, leading to a financial loss of shs. 1.5 billion to the government.