City socialite Brian Kirumira, popularly known as Bryan White, has been granted mandatory bail by the High Court in Kampala after spending 293 days on remand without being committed to the High Court for trial.
Justice Paul Gadenya Wolimbwa granted Kirumira bail at Shs10 million and ordered him to provide two substantial sureties, each bonded at Shs50 million.
As part of his bail conditions, the court directed Kirumira to surrender his passport, stay away from his Badongo residence and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses. The conditions are intended to ensure that he does not interfere with investigations or the prosecution of the case.
Kirumira is facing seven charges, including manslaughter, possession of narcotic drugs, conspiracy to commit a felony and giving false information. The charges stem from investigations into the death of 25-year-old Caroline Nalubwama, who was reportedly his girlfriend.
Nalubwama’s death initially appeared to have resulted from burns sustained in a household fire at Kirumira’s residence. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident later triggered a wider criminal investigation after detectives raised questions about the account of what happened.
The investigation led to the arrest of four people, including Dr Joyce Irene Nambalirwa, the proprietor of Mabirizi Nursing Home; nurse Nakato Naava; Daphine Abaho; and Daisy Nalunga, who is believed to be Kirumira’s legally wedded wife.
Police investigations reportedly established that the incident occurred on October 22, rather than October 24 as initially stated. It was not reported to police until October 27, raising questions about the delay in notifying authorities about Nalubwama’s condition and subsequent death.
Nalubwama was initially taken to Mabirizi Nursing Home for treatment before she was referred to Kiruddu Hospital. Investigators allege that Dr Nambalirwa delayed the referral, reportedly citing outstanding medical bills.
Police sources further allege that the nursing home confiscated a laptop belonging to one of Nalubwama’s caretakers as security for the unpaid medical bill. Investigators are examining whether the alleged delay in referral contributed to Nalubwama’s death.
The prosecution’s case is also based on alleged inconsistencies in the timeline of events and attempts to handle the incident discreetly before it was reported to police.
Kirumira’s release on mandatory bail follows the expiry of the statutory period within which a person charged with a serious offence can remain on remand without being committed to the High Court for trial.
The court’s decision allows Kirumira to remain at liberty as the prosecution prepares to proceed with the case. His release on bail does not amount to an acquittal, and the charges against him remain pending before court.
