Kampala socialite Bryan Kirumira, popularly known as Bryan White, has been granted mandatory bail by the High court after spending 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 spending more than the 180 days allowed for an accused person facing an offence triable only by the High court.
Kirumira is jointly charged with four others before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court 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.
Prosecution alleges that on October 22, 2025, in Makindye Division, the accused killed 25-year-old Caroline Nalubwama during witchcraft, ritual or other unlawful practices.
Kirumira was arrested on November 13, 2025 and has since been detained at Upper Prison, Luzira. The prosecution opposed his release, arguing that the gravity of the charges, particularly the human sacrifice allegation, made him a flight risk.
It also argued that his release could enable him to interfere with witnesses, investigations and evidence. 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 committal.
The judge noted that the human sacrifice charge carries a maximum sentence of death and is therefore triable only by the High court, placing Kirumira within the scope of Article 23(6)(c) of the Constitution.
According to the ruling, the 180-day period expired on May 12, 2026, leaving Kirumira in custody for an additional 113 days by the time of the ruling.
Justice Gadenya said the constitutional period is determined by the passage of time and does not depend on which party was responsible for the delay in committing an accused person to the High court.
He rejected the prosecution’s argument that preparations were underway to commit Kirumira, holding that an intention to commit an accused person at a future date could not defeat a right that had already accrued.
The judge also distinguished mandatory bail from discretionary bail, saying that once the constitutional requirements for mandatory bail are met, the court’s role is to impose reasonable conditions to secure the accused’s attendance and protect the integrity of the proceedings.
Strict bail conditions
Although granting bail, Justice Gadenya imposed stringent conditions to address the risks raised by the prosecution. Kirumira was ordered to deposit Shs 10 million in court and provide two substantial sureties, each required to execute a non-cash bond of Shs 50 million.
His proposed sureties are his paternal uncle, Andrew Bulyake Kizza, and brother-in-law, Phillip Gitta. Their approval will be subject to vetting by the deputy registrar of the Criminal Division after they present the required documentation, including letters from their respective local council authorities.
Kirumira must also 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 any. He is also prohibited from leaving Uganda without the court’s permission.
The court barred him from contacting prosecution witnesses, members of the deceased’s family or his co-accused, either personally, through an agent or by telephone, electronic or social media platforms.
Kirumira is required to continue reporting to the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court in accordance with the existing court schedule. If he is subsequently committed to the High court, he must report to the deputy registrar of the Criminal Division on the first Monday of every month.
The judge also allowed Kirumira to seek medical treatment for his reported burn injuries from a medical practitioner of his choice and at his own expense. Justice Gadenya warned that violating any of the bail conditions could lead to cancellation of bail, issuance of an arrest warrant and forfeiture of the security.
Ritual allegations
Kirumira is jointly charged with his wife, Daisy Nalunga, Daphine Abaho and Naava Nakato, while Joyce Irene Nambalirwa faces separate charges of manslaughter and negligent conduct.
Prosecution alleges that Nambalirwa failed to refer Nalubwama for timely medical treatment at M. Mabirizi Nursing Home.
The prosecution further alleges that Kirumira and three of his co-accused set fire to candle wax while massaging Nalubwama’s body with petrol and ghee as part of a purported ritual.
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 alleges that Kirumira and his co-accused initially gave police a false account of how Nalubwama sustained her injuries, claiming that she had been involved in a gas-cylinder accident.
Police also reportedly recovered grass-thatched structures at Kirumira’s home which investigators suspect were used as shrines.
The allegations have not been proved in court, and Kirumira and his co-accused remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The post Bryan White granted mandatory bail after 293 days on remand appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.
Follow the story
