Ugandan socialite Bryan Kirumira, widely known as Bryan White, has been sent to Luzira Prison until 18 December as investigations continue into the death of 25-year-old Carol Nalubwama.
Kirumira appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, but the session was held in private. Court officials said the decision to exclude the public and media was made due to “security and health” considerations.
The 38-year-old was transported to court in a police ambulance and taken directly into the chambers of Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera. He was seen lying on a stretcher with his body heavily bandaged, apparently from burn-related injuries. He did not enter the main courtroom at any point.
Only police officers and Nalubwama’s relatives were allowed inside during the proceedings.
Charges
Kirumira is facing seven charges, including:
- Human sacrifice
- Manslaughter
- Conspiracy to commit a felony
- Possession of narcotic drugs
- Providing false information to police
Prosecutors allege that Nalubwama sustained fatal burn injuries on 22 October 2025 at Kirumira’s home in Kyamula Zone, Makindye Division.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred during a ritual that allegedly involved several of Kirumira’s associates, including his wife, Daisy Nalunga, and three other women—Daphine Abaho, Naava Nakato and Joyce Irene Nambalirwa.
Nalunga, Abaho and Nakato were remanded last week. Nambalirwa faces separate charges of manslaughter and negligence for allegedly failing to ensure Nalubwama received emergency medical care at M. Mabirizi Nursing Home.
Investigators claim the group conspired in a ritual in which candle wax was lit and Nalubwama was massaged with petrol and ghee.
Additional allegations
Beyond the ritual-related accusations, Kirumira is also charged with negligent handling of hazardous materials. Police say they recovered marijuana stored in bottles at his residence.
Officers further assert that Kirumira and others attempted to mislead detectives by initially reporting that Nalubwama had been injured in a gas cylinder explosion. A search of his property allegedly uncovered grass-thatched structures suspected to be shrines.
Earlier court appearance
Wednesday’s session follows a dramatic appearance on 14 November, when Kirumira arrived in court visibly unwell and unable to stand. Magistrate Lorna Patience Mukundane ordered that he be returned to Mildmay Hospital for treatment after he pleaded for medical assistance.
His co-accused have continued to be held separately as investigations progress.
Family reaction and ongoing inquiry
Nalubwama’s family has dismissed the explanations provided by Kirumira’s camp and is demanding a thorough, transparent investigation. Police say they are reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence to determine what happened.
Kirumira, a prominent and often controversial figure, has previously faced legal troubles, including an attempted murder case in 2017 and fraud-related arrests in 2020—both of which were later withdrawn.
He remains under close police watch as the inquiry continues, with the case scheduled to return to court on 18 December.
