Uganda’s junior finance minister charged with corruption offences

KAMPALA (Reuters) – Uganda’s junior finance minister was on Monday charged with corruption offences stemming from a scandal about alleged diversion of government-owned roofing materials that has ensnared multiple officials.

Police investigators and prosecutors in the east African country have been looking into the alleged theft and diversion of metal roofing sheets meant for a relief program in the restive northeastern Karamoja region bordering Kenya and South Sudan and home to pastoral nomads.

Amos Lugoloobi, who has been in custody since Friday, was charged with “dealing with suspect property” in a court in the capital Kampala.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded until Thursday when he will reappear in court for a ruling on his application to be released on bail.

Lugoloobi was the second minister to be charged. Police say they are processing the files of several other officials including ministers who are facing potential charges.

(Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; editing by Bhargav Acharya, editing by Ed Osmond)