The High court in Arua has adjourned the hearing of a land dispute involving High court judge Rosette Comfort Kania after learning that businessman Augustine Asea, who sold her the contested land, died three weeks ago under unclear circumstances.
Kania alleges she was denied full ownership of land she purchased from Asea in Biacici village, Ogoko sub-county, Madi Okollo district, in 2018. The dispute stems from protests by local residents over how Asea acquired the title for the 167.5098 hectares (approximately 413 acres) of what they claim was community land.
Asea later sold the land to Kania in a transaction concluded in Arua, during which he handed over the title. However, when Kania attempted to inspect the land, she was blocked by residents who said they had no knowledge of the sale.
They further alleged that the disputed land included community roads, parts of the River Ala, and other vital water sources. Local landlords accused Asea of initially buying only 57 acres but secretly processing a land title covering over 400 acres, which he subsequently sold to Kania.
After paying over Shs 100 million and transferring the title into her name, Kania discovered the alleged fraud and filed charges of theft by trick and fraud against Asea. The case was due for hearing on Thursday but could not proceed after Samuel Ondoma, lawyer for Wilfred Eneku, Grism Ambayo, John Adeti, and others whose land was also allegedly sold to Kania, informed the court of Asea’s death.
Both Ondoma and Kania’s lawyer, Renato Kania, told the court that Asea’s death has complicated the matter and that the parties are now considering an out-of-court settlement.
Patrick Guma, a clerk at the Arua High Court, adjourned the case to July 8, 2025, when the lawyers’ request for settlement will be heard by Justice Harriet Grace Magala.