Kampala, Uganda | URN | The High Court in Kampala has granted mandatory bail to socialite Bryan Kirumira also known as Bryan White, after finding that he had been detained for 293 days without being committed for trial.
Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa, in a ruling delivered on Friday, held that Bryan White had acquired a constitutional right to mandatory bail after spending more than the 180 days allowed by the constitution for an accused person facing an offence triable only by the High Court.
Bryan White is the first accused in a criminal case in Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he is jointly charged with four others on six counts of human sacrifice, manslaughter, rash and negligent acts, possession of a narcotic drug, conspiracy to commit a felony and giving false information.
The state alleges that on October 22, 2025, in Kyamula Zone, Makindye Division, the accused killed 25-year-old Caroline Nalubwama in a witchcraft ritual or for other related unlawful practices.
He was then arrested on November 13, 2025, and has since been held at Upper Prison, Luzira.
The prosecution opposed his release, arguing that the seriousness of the charges, particularly the human sacrifice count, made him a potential flight risk. The State also said he could interfere with witnesses, investigations and evidence if released.
However, Justice Gadenya ruled that the seriousness of the charges can’t override the constitutional right to mandatory bail once the prescribed 180-day period expires 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, bringing it within the scope of Article 23(6)(c) of the Constitution. According to the ruling, the 180-day period expired on May 12, 2026, meaning Bryan White had spent an additional 113 days in custody by the time of the ruling.
The Judge noted the constitutional provision is based on the passage of time rather than responsibility for the delay.
He has rejected the prosecution’s argument that preparations were underway to commit Bryan White to the High Court, saying an intention to commit an accused person at a future date could not defeat a right that had already accrued.
The judge further held that mandatory bail differs from discretionary bail. Once the constitutional requirements are met, the court’s role is limited to setting reasonable conditions for release and not deciding whether the accused should remain in custody. The court also dismissed the prosecution’s submissions about possible interference with witnesses, saying the allegations had not been sufficiently substantiated.
The judge observed that the state had not identified any specific witness at risk, disclosed any alleged threat or provided evidence of steps taken by Bryan White to interfere with the investigation. The judge nevertheless has imposed strict conditions to address the potential risks.
Bryan White was ordered to deposit 10 million shillings in court and provide two substantial sureties, each required to execute a non-cash bond of sh50 million. The proposed sureties include his paternal uncle, Bulyake Andrew Kizza, and brother-in-law, Phillip Gitta. Their final approval will be subject to vetting by the Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division once they bring the necessary documents, like letters from their local council.
The court has also ordered Bryan White to reside at a fixed address within the court’s jurisdiction but specifically barred him from returning to the premises in Badongo village, Salaama Parish, which the prosecution alleges is the scene of the offence.
He must surrender his passport and any other travel documents or swear an affidavit confirming that he has none and cannot leave Uganda without the court’s permission.
He is further prohibited from contacting prosecution witnesses, members of the deceased’s family or his co-accused, whether personally, through an agent or via electronic or social media platforms.
Bryan White will also report to the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court in accordance with the existing court schedule and, if committed to the High Court, report to the Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division on the first Monday of every month. The judge also allowed Bryan White to seek medical treatment for his reported burn injuries from a medical practitioner of his choice and at his own expense. Justice Gadenya has warned that breach of any of the bail conditions could result in cancellation of bail, issuance of an arrest warrant and forfeiture of the security.
Bryan White is jointly charged with his wife Daisy Nalunga, Daphine Abaho, Naava Nakato, and Joyce Irene Nambalirwa.
Nambalirwa faces separate charges of manslaughter and negligent conduct for allegedly failing to refer the victim for timely medical care at M. Mabirizi Nursing Home. The three co-accused are jointly charged with conspiracy; prosecutors allege they set fire to candle wax while massaging the victim’s body with petrol and ghee as part of the ritual.
In addition to ritual-related charges, Bryan White faces allegations of rash and negligent conduct involving combustible materials, as well as possession of marijuana, reportedly found in bottles at his residence.
Prosecution alleges that he and his co-accused gave police false accounts of how the victim sustained her injuries, initially claiming a gas cylinder accident. Police also recovered grass-thatched structures at his home suspected to be shrines.
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