Uganda police have arrested nine South Sudanese nationals in Nabweru, a Kampala suburb, in connection with the suspected killing of their housemaid.

The maid, whose identity is yet to be established, is believed to have been killed on Friday night inside a house located in Nabweru South Cell One, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District. Her body has not been recovered, and investigators suspect it may have been secretly removed from the premises.

Davis Ssekatawa, the area defence secretary, said the incident came to light after a village clinical officer was summoned to the house to attend to the maid. On arrival, the officer reportedly found the girl with severe head injuries and confirmed she was already dead.

Ssekatawa said local leaders rushed to the scene, but the occupants of the house refused to open the door despite identifying themselves.

“Even the police were denied access, forcing us to guard the house overnight,” he said. “When we eventually forced entry the following morning, the body was gone, although bloodstains were found around the compound, indicating that someone had died there.”

A neighbour, Justus Nuwagaba, whose wife was called to provide medical assistance, said the occupants were largely unknown to the community.

“We mostly see different vehicles coming in and out,” Nuwagaba said. “A woman from the house came to our clinic claiming the maid had cut herself. But when my wife examined her, she found a deep head injury and confirmed she was already dead.”

He added that his wife later told him the occupants appeared panicked and allegedly tried to offer her money to remain silent, an offer she declined.

Local councillor Easter Najuma said some of the occupants were seen leaving the house before police arrived, carrying large briefcases and polythene bags. Residents suspect the items may have been used to dispose of the body.

The community has since demanded a thorough investigation to recover the maid’s remains, establish her identity and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Police have so far arrested nine South Sudanese nationals who were found inside the residence. They are being held at Nabweru Police Station as investigations continue. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala said she had not yet received a full briefing on the case by press time but promised to share details once available.