By KT Reporter
The High Court in Arua has adjourned the hearing of a land case involving Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, a High Court Judge. This is after the court learnt that the businessman Augustine Asea, who sold the land to Kania died three weeks ago. However circumstances of his death are still unclear.
Justice Rosette Kania claims she was denied full ownership of land she purchased from Asea in Biacici village, Yachi Parish, Ogoko Sub-County, Madi Okollo District, in 2018.
The dispute stems from residents’ protests over how Asea acquired a title for the 167.5098 hectares (approximately 413 acres) of community land. Asea later sold the land to Justice Kania in a transaction finalised in Arua, where he handed over the title to her.
However, upon visiting Biacici village to inspect her land, Justice Kania was denied access by residents who claimed they were unaware of the transaction.
They also alleged that the land in question included community roads, portions of the River Ala, and other water sources. Local landlords accused Asea of initially purchasing only 57 acres but secretly processing a title for over 400 acres, which he later used to sell to Justice Kania.
After paying over 100 million Shillings and transferring the title into her name, Justice Kania realised she had been deceived. She subsequently filed a case of theft by trick and fraud against Asea.
On Thursday, the case could not proceed after Samuel Ondoma, the lawyer for Wilfred Eneku, Grism Ambayo, John Adeti and others, whose land was also sold to Justice Kania by Asea, told the court that the businessman had died.
Ondoma and Justice Kania’s lawyer Renato Kania said that the death of Asea has complicated the case, and they are looking at an out-of-court settlement.
Patrick Guma, the Clerk Arua High Court, adjourned the case to July 8th, when the lawyers request will be heard by Justice Harriet Grace Magala-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
