Ugandan Socialite Bryan White Granted Mandatory Bail After 293 Days on Remand
Kampala, Uganda – The High Court in Kampala has granted mandatory bail to city socialite Brian Kirumira, popularly known as Bryan White, after he spent 293 days on remand without being committed for trial in a high-profile case involving allegations of human sacrifice and manslaughter .
Justice Paul Gadenya Wolimbwa ordered Kirumira’s release on September 3, 2026, ruling that he had exceeded the constitutional limit of 180 days on remand for an offence triable only by the High Court . The socialite was arrested on November 13, 2025, and had been detained at Upper Prison, Luzira .
Constitutional Entitlement
In his ruling, Justice Wolimbwa held that Kirumira had established all requirements for mandatory bail under Article 23(6)(c) of the Constitution, which provides that a person charged with an offence triable only by the High Court shall be released on bail if they have spent 180 days on remand without being committed for trial .
“The applicant has therefore established every matter required by article 23(6)(c),” the judge ruled, adding that “mandatory bail is a constitutional entitlement and not an indulgence granted at the court’s pleasure” .
The court rejected the prosecution’s argument that the seriousness of the charges, including human sacrifice which carries the death penalty, justified continued detention . Justice Wolimbwa noted that such concerns could be addressed through strict bail conditions rather than defeating a constitutional right that had already accrued .
Bail Conditions
The court set Kirumira’s bail at Shs10 million cash and ordered him to provide two substantial sureties, each bonded at Shs50 million . The Deputy Registrar must vet and approve the sureties before his release .
Additional conditions include:
· Surrendering his passport and travel documents
· Staying away from his Badongo residence, which the prosecution alleges is the scene of the offence
· Avoiding contact with prosecution witnesses, members of the deceased’s family, and his co-accused
· Reporting to court regularly as scheduled
· Not leaving Uganda without court permission
The judge also allowed Kirumira to seek medical treatment for his burn injuries at his own expense after meeting bail conditions .
Background of the Case
Kirumira faces six counts, including human sacrifice, manslaughter, rash and negligent acts, possession of a narcotic drug, conspiracy to commit a felony, and giving false information . The charges stem from the death of 25-year-old Caroline Nalubwama, who allegedly sustained severe burn injuries at Kirumira’s residence in Kyamula, Makindye Division, before later dying at Kiruddu Hospital .
Police investigations revealed that the incident allegedly occurred on October 22, 2025, with prosecution alleging that Kirumira killed Nalubwama for purposes of performing or furthering witchcraft, ritual practices, or other unlawful acts . The socialite is jointly charged with his wife, Naava Nakato; Daisy Nalunga; advocacy officer Daphine Abaho; and Joyce Irene Nambalirwa, the administrator of Mukyala Mabirizi Nursing Home .
Justice Wolimbwa expressed concern about the prosecution’s failure to commit such a serious case for nearly 10 months, noting that the bail does not amount to an acquittal but serves as a sanction for prosecutorial delay . The case file has been ordered returned to the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court for further management .
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