The High Court granted Bryan Kirumira, known as Bryan White, mandatory bail after he spent over 180 days in custody without trial.
Kampala socialite Bryan Kirumira, known as Bryan White, has been released on mandatory bail by the High Court after 293 days in remand. Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa ruled that Kirumira had a constitutional right to bail after exceeding the 180-day limit for individuals facing offenses triable only by the High Court. Kirumira, arrested on November 13, 2025, is jointly charged with four others on six counts, including human sacrifice and manslaughter, related to the alleged killing of Caroline Nalubwama on October 22, 2025.
The prosecution had opposed bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the risk of Kirumira interfering with witnesses or investigations. However, Justice Gadenya stated that the seriousness of the charges could not override the constitutional right to mandatory bail once the prescribed period had passed without committal to the High Court. The judge noted that the 180-day period expired on May 12, 2026, with Kirumira remaining in custody for an additional 113 days.
Granting bail, Justice Gadenya imposed strict conditions, including a Shs 10 million court deposit and two sureties each executing a non-cash bond of Shs 50 million. Kirumira must also reside at a fixed address within the court's jurisdiction. The judge emphasized that the constitutional period for mandatory bail is determined by time elapsed, irrespective of who caused the delay in committal proceedings.
Why it mattersBryan Kirumira, facing serious charges including human sacrifice, has been granted mandatory bail due to prolonged pre-trial detention, impacting the legal process and his sureties.
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