Court grants Bryan White bail in human sacrifice case

What the report says

The High Court in Kampala has granted mandatory bail to Ugandan socialite Bryan Kirumira, widely known as Bryan White, after finding he had spent 293 days in custody without being committed for trial. According to The Independent Uganda, Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa said the time limits for pretrial detention under the constitution had already expired in a case triable only by the High Court, making bail a constitutional entitlement rather than a discretionary decision.

Bryan White is the first accused in a case before Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he and four others face multiple charges, including human sacrifice, manslaughter, negligent acts, possession of a narcotic drug, conspiracy to commit a felony and giving false information. Prosecutors allege that a 25-year-old woman, Caroline Nalubwama, died in Kyamula Zone, Makindye Division, in connection with a witchcraft ritual or other unlawful acts. The prosecution had opposed release, saying the seriousness of the allegations and the risk of interference with witnesses justified continued detention.

The court rejected those arguments, saying the state had not shown specific threats or evidence that the accused had interfered with the investigation. The judge instead set strict conditions for release, including a cash deposit, sureties, residence restrictions, surrender of travel documents and a ban on contact with witnesses or co-accused. He was also allowed to seek medical treatment for reported burn injuries.

More broadly, the case has drawn attention because it combines grave criminal allegations with a constitutional dispute over pretrial detention. The court’s ruling does not determine guilt or innocence, but it allows the accused to await further proceedings outside prison while the case continues.