KAMPALA — Socialite and businessman Brian Kirumira, popularly known as Bryan White, has been granted mandatory bail by the High Court in Kampala after spending 293 days on remand without being committed to the High Court for trial.
Justice Paul Gadenya Wolimbwa ordered Kirumira’s release after finding that he had spent more than the constitutionally prescribed period on remand without being committed for trial.
The court set cash bail at Shs10 million and ordered Kirumira to provide two substantial sureties, with each surety required to execute a non-cash bond of Shs50 million. The sureties will have to be vetted and approved before his release is effected.
Kirumira had been arrested in November 2025 and subsequently remanded in connection with serious criminal allegations. By the time the High Court considered his application, he had spent 293 days in custody without being committed for trial.
Justice Wolimbwa based the decision on Article 23(6)(c) of the Constitution, which provides for mandatory bail where an accused person facing an offence triable by the High Court has spent 180 days on remand without being committed for trial.
The court emphasized that once the constitutional requirements for mandatory bail are met, an accused person becomes entitled to release on bail, although the court can impose reasonable conditions to ensure that the accused attends court and does not interfere with the administration of justice.
Kirumira is facing several charges, including allegations of human sacrifice and manslaughter. The charges are connected to the death of 25-year-old Carol Nalubwama, who reportedly sustained severe burn injuries in October 2025 and later died while receiving medical treatment.
Prosecution alleges that Kirumira was involved in circumstances surrounding Nalubwama’s death. The allegations remain before court, and Kirumira is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The State had opposed his release, citing the seriousness of the allegations and concerns that he could interfere with prosecution witnesses or otherwise frustrate the judicial process.
However, the High Court found that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence demonstrating a specific and credible threat to witnesses that would justify continued detention after the constitutional period had elapsed.
Although bail was granted, the court imposed several strict conditions on Kirumira.
He was ordered to surrender his passport and any other travel documents and was prohibited from leaving Uganda without permission from the High Court.
The court also directed him to stay away from his Badongo residence, which is linked to the allegations before court. He will instead be required to reside at another fixed address within the court’s jurisdiction.
Kirumira was further ordered not to contact prosecution witnesses, members of the deceased’s family or his co-accused, either directly or indirectly. He was also warned against interfering with witnesses, evidence or ongoing investigations.
He will be required to continue reporting to court as directed. Should the matter proceed to the High Court after the committal process, he will also be expected to comply with the reporting conditions imposed by the Criminal Division.
The court’s decision to grant bail does not mean that Kirumira has been acquitted or that the charges against him have been dropped. The criminal proceedings remain active, and the prosecution can still pursue the allegations through the courts.
The ruling has nevertheless renewed attention on delays within Uganda’s criminal justice system and the constitutional safeguards intended to prevent suspects from remaining on remand for extended periods without being committed for trial.
For Bryan White, the decision marks a significant development after nearly ten months in custody. His release will now allow him to face the continuing criminal proceedings while remaining subject to the strict conditions imposed by the High Court.
