Residents storm RDC’s office as CN Sugar land dispute sparks arrest

What the report says

Police in Busia District have detained a CN Sugar agent as authorities investigate allegations of fraud, misrepresentation and possible land grabbing tied to the company’s reported claim over land in Dabani sub-county. The Nile Post said the arrest followed growing anger from residents and local leaders, who reportedly stormed the Resident District Commissioner’s office and described the land acquisition process as a scam.

The detained man, identified as Joseph Nyongeza, was being held at Busia Central Police Station as inquiries continued. According to the report, local authorities have challenged the validity of documents presented by CN Sugar Ltd in support of its claim to about 16,830 acres. The LC1 chairperson’s office for Busumba A Village, in a letter dated October 4, said Nyongeza owns no land in the area.

Nile Post reported that a field verification exercise found problems with the company’s submissions, including the failure to present some of the parcels originally listed for inspection. It said company representatives instead pointed to different properties, including a large tract linked to Nyongeza, but without clear evidence of title, registered lease, survey plans or other documentation showing exclusive legal interest.

The dispute has broader significance because sugar projects often depend on large land banks and clear proof of ownership or lease rights. In this case, district and security officials are still examining whether the company or its agents misrepresented the amount of land available and whether any fraud or forgery occurred.