The High Court in Kampala has granted socialite Bryan Kirumira, commonly known as Bryan White, mandatory bail after ruling that he had spent 293 days in custody without being committed to the High Court for trial.
Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa, in a ruling delivered on Friday, held that Kirumira had acquired a constitutional right to mandatory bail after exceeding the 180-day period prescribed for an accused person facing an offence triable only by the High Court.
Kirumira is the first accused in a criminal case before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he is jointly charged with four others on 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 prosecution alleges that on October 22, 2025, in Kyamula Zone, Makindye Division, Kirumira and his co-accused killed 25-year-old Caroline Nalubwama in circumstances linked to witchcraft, ritual practices or other unlawful activities.
Kirumira was arrested on November 13, 2025, and has since been held at Luzira Upper Prison.
The prosecution opposed his release, arguing that the gravity of the charges, particularly the human sacrifice allegation, made him a flight risk. The State also expressed concern that he could interfere with witnesses, investigations and evidence if released.
Justice Gadenya, however, ruled that the seriousness of the charges could not override the constitutional right to mandatory bail once the prescribed period had expired without the accused being committed for trial.
The judge noted that the human sacrifice charge carries a maximum sentence of death and is therefore triable only by the High Court, placing it within the scope of Article 23(6)(c) of the Constitution.
According to the ruling, the 180-day custody period expired on May 12, 2026, meaning Kirumira had spent a further 113 days in custody by the time of the ruling.
Justice Gadenya emphasised that the constitutional right is triggered by the passage of time and does not depend on whether the accused or the State was responsible for the delay in commencing the trial.
The judge also rejected the prosecution’s argument that preparations were underway to commit Kirumira to the High Court, holding that an intention to commit an accused person at a later date could not defeat a right to bail that had already accrued.
The court further distinguished mandatory bail from discretionary bail, observing that once the constitutional requirements are satisfied, the court’s role is to impose reasonable conditions to ensure the accused attends court and does not interfere with the administration of justice.
Justice Gadenya also dismissed the State’s concerns about possible interference with witnesses, saying the allegations had not been sufficiently substantiated. The prosecution had not identified any specific witness believed to be at risk, disclosed any alleged threat or provided evidence that Kirumira had taken steps to interfere with investigations.
The court nevertheless imposed strict conditions to address the concerns raised by the prosecution.
Kirumira was ordered to deposit Shs10 million in court and provide two substantial sureties, each required to execute a non-cash bond of Shs50 million.
The proposed sureties are his paternal uncle, Bulyake Andrew Kizza, and brother-in-law, Phillip Gitta. Their suitability will be determined after vetting by the Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division upon presentation of the required documents, including Local Council 1 introduction letters.
The court also directed Kirumira to reside at a fixed address within the jurisdiction of the court. However, he was specifically barred from returning to premises in Badongo Village, Salaama Parish, which the prosecution alleges was the scene of the offence.
He must surrender his passport and any other travel documents to court or swear an affidavit confirming that he does not possess them. He will also be prohibited from leaving Uganda without prior permission from the court.
Kirumira has further been barred from contacting prosecution witnesses, members of Nalubwama’s family or his co-accused, either personally, through an agent or by telephone, electronic communication or social media.
He is required to report to the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court in accordance with the existing court schedule. If he is subsequently committed to the High Court, he will be required to report to the Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division on the first Monday of every month.
Justice Gadenya also permitted Kirumira to seek medical treatment for reported burn injuries from a medical practitioner of his choice and at his own expense.
The judge warned that violation of any of the bail conditions could lead to cancellation of bail, issuance of an arrest warrant and forfeiture of the security provided by his sureties.
Kirumira is jointly charged with his wife, Daisy Nalunga, as well as Daphine Abaho, Naava Nakato and Joyce Irene Nambalirwa.
Nambalirwa faces separate charges of manslaughter and negligent conduct over allegations that she failed to ensure the victim received timely medical attention at M. Mabirizi Nursing Home.
The other three co-accused face a joint conspiracy charge. Prosecutors allege that they participated in a ritual during which candle wax was set on fire while Nalubwama’s body was massaged with petrol and ghee.
Kirumira also faces allegations of rash and negligent conduct involving combustible materials and possession of marijuana, which prosecutors say was recovered in bottles at his residence.
The prosecution further alleges that Kirumira and his co-accused gave police false accounts about how Nalubwama sustained her injuries, initially claiming that she had been injured in a gas cylinder accident.
Police also reportedly recovered grass-thatched structures at Kirumira’s residence, which investigators suspect were being used as shrines.
The accused persons remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
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