The High Court in Kampala has directed the release of socialite Kirumira Bryan, popularly known as Bryan White, after he spent 293 days on remand without being committed to the High Court for trial.
Kirumira is facing several charges, among them alleged human sacrifice, manslaughter and possession of a narcotic drug.
Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa granted him mandatory bail and set the cash bail at Shs10 million. The judge noted that Kirumira had remained in custody well beyond the 180-day period provided for under the Constitution in cases involving offences triable by the High Court.
Kirumira was arrested on November 13, 2025, and detained at Upper Prison, Luzira. When the bail proceedings were completed, he had spent 293 days in custody—113 days longer than the constitutional limit.
He was brought to court under prison escort for the ruling. Following the reading of the decision by Deputy Registrar Samuel Twakyire, Kirumira appeared taken aback by the order granting him freedom.
“It is not that I am not hearing, but it is as if I have not been granted bail. It is like I am not understanding,” he said.
In his ruling, Justice Wolimbwa said Kirumira qualified for mandatory bail because the case included an offence that could only be tried by the High Court. He had also exceeded the required remand period and had not yet been formally committed for trial.
The judge explained that mandatory bail is guaranteed by the Constitution once the relevant conditions have been fulfilled. It is therefore not simply a matter of judicial discretion.
The prosecution had asked the court to reject the application, citing the gravity of the accusations, the possibility that Kirumira could interfere with witnesses and concerns that he might fail to return to court.
Justice Wolimbwa, however, said such concerns could be managed through bail terms. They could not, in his view, cancel out Kirumira’s constitutional right after the statutory remand period had elapsed.
The charges against Kirumira have not been withdrawn. He is accused of six offences, including human sacrifice, manslaughter, rash and negligent acts, possession of a narcotic drug, conspiracy to commit a felony and giving false information.
The human sacrifice charge is exclusively handled by the High Court and carries a possible death sentence upon conviction.
The prosecution case stems from the death of 25-year-old Carol Nalubwama. She reportedly sustained serious burn injuries at Kirumira’s home in Kyamula, within Makindye Division, and was later taken to Kiruddu Hospital, where she died.
Kirumira’s release on mandatory bail does not amount to an acquittal. He remains an accused person, and the case will proceed through the courts.
The ruling only changes the conditions under which he will await the next stage of the proceedings.
