Bryan White granted mandatory bail after nearly 10 months in custody

Socialite Bryan Kirumira, widely recognized as Bryan White, has secured mandatory bail from the High Court, ending a 293-day detention period. Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa ruled that Kirumira was entitled to mandatory bail, as he had spent over the constitutional limit of 180 days in custody without his case being committed to the High Court for trial.

Kirumira is facing a series of serious charges, including human sacrifice, manslaughter, and drug possession, alongside four other individuals. The prosecution alleges that he was involved in the death of Caroline Nalubwama in October 2025, purportedly during ritualistic practices. He was arrested in November 2025 and has been held at Luzira Upper Prison.

The prosecution had argued against his release, citing the gravity of the charges, particularly the human sacrifice allegation, and raised concerns about him being a flight risk or interfering with ongoing investigations. However, Justice Gadenya emphasized that the constitutional right to mandatory bail supersedes these concerns once the statutory period has elapsed.

The court noted that the 180-day period expired in May 2026, and Kirumira had remained in custody for an additional 113 days. The judge clarified that the timing of committal does not negate the accrued right to mandatory bail.

While granting bail, strict conditions were imposed to mitigate the prosecution’s concerns. Kirumira must deposit Shs 10 million, provide two substantial sureties bonded at Shs 50 million each, and reside at a fixed address, explicitly barred from a property linked to the alleged offense. He is also required to surrender his passport, report regularly to court, and is prohibited from contacting witnesses, the deceased’s family, or co-accused. He has been permitted to seek medical attention for reported injuries at his own expense.

These allegations are yet to be proven in court, and Kirumira and his co-accused are presumed innocent until convicted.