Nabweru Police Station under Nansana Division where the falsely accused suspects were detained|Courtesy

 A South Sudanese family has confirmed the release of four relatives who were arrested in Nansana, near Kampala, over what they describe as a false allegation of murder.

Family representative Ladu David Joseph said the incident began on the night of December 11, 2025, at a residence in Nansana where family members had gathered after receiving news of a death in Juba, South Sudan.

According to David, unknown individuals repeatedly banged on the house door in the early hours of the morning, accusing those inside of concealing a crime. The family refused to open the door, citing fears for their safety.

“The incident began on Tuesday the 11th of December 2025 when the family received news of a death in Juba,” David said. “While people were mourning in the house, unknown individuals started banging the door at night, accusing those inside of hiding something. The family feared for their safety and refused to open.”

He said police later arrived at the scene in the morning, searched the house, and despite finding no evidence, arrested everyone inside.

Hours later, police reportedly returned with the same individuals, alleging that a maid had been murdered in the house. David said police conducted another search but still arrested all occupants, including women and children, as well as the maid who was allegedly said to have been killed.

According to the family, no body was recovered, no complainant was identified, and authorities did not provide details about the alleged victim.

Following the arrests, South Sudan’s Embassy in Kampala intervened after being informed by relatives in Juba. David said two embassy officials later met with Ugandan police leadership at Nansana Police Station to question the legality of the prolonged detention.

“So from that process I decided to make some calls, and the matter was reported to South Sudanese authorities,” David said.

“The embassy in Kampala sent officials who met with police leadership in Nansana. They questioned why the suspects were still detained after six days without being taken to a state attorney, which is against the law.”

After six days in custody without formal charges being presented to a state attorney, police agreed to release the suspects on bond.

On December 17, a prosecutor authorized their release, and the four family members were freed on bond the following day. They are expected to report back to police on December 23 for bond extension as investigations continue.

The family has denied any wrongdoing and says reports circulating in some Ugandan and regional media outlets have caused fear, trauma, and insecurity among relatives.

Police have not yet publicly commented on the matter, and investigations are said to be ongoing.