The tragic death of a 28-year-old woman, believed to have been engaged in sex work, has once again cast a spotlight on the harsh and often dangerous conditions faced by women working in Uganda’s informal economy.
Her body was found hidden under a bed at Eden Guest House in Arua City on the night of June 15, 2025. Police later arrested an 18-year-old man—identified as a conductor from Ezova in Driwala Ward—who was found inside the same room where the woman lay lifeless.
According to the West Nile Region Police Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Collins Asea, the woman had lived at the guest house, located near Arua’s Old Bus Park, for close to a year. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may have shared more than just a transactional relationship with her — possibly involving both intimacy and dependency, blurring the lines between client and partner.
“A distress call was made to Arua Central Police Station at around 11:00 PM, and a team of detectives quickly responded,” SP Asea reported. “Upon forcing entry into the room, they discovered the woman’s body hidden under the bed while the young man was still inside. Although there were no clear signs of physical trauma, blood was found oozing from her ear, indicating possible internal injuries.”
Her body has since been taken to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
