Uganda’s Director of Public Prosecutions has approved corruption charges against Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu over her role in an iron sheets scandal in the north-eastern region.

The speaker of parliament and some cabinet ministers have also been mentioned in the scandal that involved the alleged theft of 5,500 iron sheets meant for disaster victims in the Karamoja region.

The prosecutor on Wednesday said Ms Kitutu, who is currently under police detention, will on Thursday be charged in court over corruption.

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has sanctioned charges of corruption and conspiracy to commit a felony against Hon. Kitutu Mary Goretti Kimono for diverting iron sheets meant for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme,” a statement said.

Police have been directed to present the minister in court to give her plea.

She is expected to spend the Easter holiday in Luzira prison where she will be remanded by the Anti-Corruption Court after being charged, local media report.

President Yoweri Museveni has called for prosecution of all those found guilty.