The Anti-Corruption Court has denied bail to Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Goretti Kitutu, due to a lack of substantial sureties.

Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro explained that the three proposed sureties, including the minister's husband, former MP Simon Mulongo, and family friend Joel Wandagwa, did not present sufficient proof of employment or financial capacity to fulfill their duties.

The minister's brother, Michael Namboya, who is also a co-suspect, was present at the hearing. However, her private secretary, Joshua Abaho, was absent but sent his lawyer, Paul Kuteesa, to inform the magistrate that he is taking care of his admitted wife who had a miscarriage last week.

Kitutu has been at the center of controversy for allegedly diverting iron sheets meant for vulnerable people in Karamoja for more than two months. She was sent to Luzira last Thursday after the presiding magistrate postponed the matter to review lengthy bail arguments made by both her lawyers and the state.

Kitutu is jointly charged with her brother, Michael Naboya Kitutu, and Joshua Abaho, the senior assistant secretary in the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Mr. Abaho did not appear in court last Thursday, prompting the prosecution led by Ms. Josephine Namatovu and Jonathan Muwaganya to request criminal summons against him, which was granted.