The Arua High Court put off a land case after learning that businessman Augustine Asea died mysteriously three weeks ago. Judge Rosette Comfort Kania claims she never got full rights to the land she bought from Asea in Madi Okollo district back in 2018. Local people protested how Asea gained title to 413 acres they say belonged to everyone.
When she paid him in Arua, Asea gave Kania the title. But residents stopped her from seeing the property, saying nobody told them about any sale. They claimed the land had community roads, parts of the River Ala, and water sources. Local owners accused Asea of buying just 57 acres but secretly getting papers for over 400 acres he later sold to Kania.
After paying more than 100 million shillings and changing the title to her name, Kania found the alleged scam. She filed theft and fraud charges against Asea. The case was set for Thursday, but lawyer Samuel Ondoma told the court about Asea's death. Both attorneys said this made things harder, and they might settle outside court.
Court clerk Patrick Guma delayed the case until July 8, 2025. Judge Harriet Grace Magala will then hear their settlement request.
When she paid him in Arua, Asea gave Kania the title. But residents stopped her from seeing the property, saying nobody told them about any sale. They claimed the land had community roads, parts of the River Ala, and water sources. Local owners accused Asea of buying just 57 acres but secretly getting papers for over 400 acres he later sold to Kania.
After paying more than 100 million shillings and changing the title to her name, Kania found the alleged scam. She filed theft and fraud charges against Asea. The case was set for Thursday, but lawyer Samuel Ondoma told the court about Asea's death. Both attorneys said this made things harder, and they might settle outside court.
Court clerk Patrick Guma delayed the case until July 8, 2025. Judge Harriet Grace Magala will then hear their settlement request.
