Flamboyant Kampala socialite and self-styled philanthropist Brian Kirumira, commonly referred to as Bryan White has been charged in a disturbing criminal probe following the death of a 25-year-old woman, Caroline Nalubwama, who suffered fatal burn injuries in his Kyamula residence.
The case, filed by the Kampala Metropolitan Police, includes the rare and severe charge of human sacrifice under Uganda’s Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act.
According to the charge sheet lodged at Makindye–Katwe Magistrate’s Court, Kirumira is accused of orchestrating a ritual killing. Prosecutors allege that on October 22, 2025, he killed Nalubwama “for purposes of performing or furthering witchcraft, ritual, or other unlawful purposes.
In addition, he faces a manslaughter charge, investigators claim that between October 22 and 27, the victim was burned, then hospitalized at Kiruddu Hospital, where she later died.
Furthermore, authorities assert that Kirumira failed to exercise due caution regarding flammable materials in his home. There is also a drug-related charge in which marijuana leaves and seeds were reportedly discovered at his residence, leading to a possession allegation under Uganda’s Narcotics Act.
Meanwhile four other women identified as Daisy Nalunga, Daphine Abaho, Naava Nakato, and Joyce Irene Nambalirwa have also been charged. According to prosecutors, they allegedly conspired with him, provided false information to authorities, and participated in acts that led to the tragic death.
Nambalirwa, who administers M. Mabirizi nursing home, is separately charged with manslaughter and negligence. Investigators argue she failed to refer Nalubwama in time to a fully equipped hospital, and that her facility withheld care due to unpaid medical bills. She has since been arrested.
The police say that when Nalubwama was first taken to Mabirizi nursing home on October 22, she was later transferred to Kiruddu only when her condition worsened, by then, critical hours may have been lost.
Investigators have raised concern over Kirumira’s version of events, which claims a gas cylinder exploded while she was cooking. Nalubwama’s family strongly disputes the explanation, alleging foul play and suggesting a ritual motive.
The case has sparked wider public debate about ritual crimes in Uganda, especially given the scale and high-profile nature of the accused. Detectives reportedly found grass-thatched structures, suspected shrines, within Kirumira’s compound.
Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage, medical records, and witness statements to reconstruct the events accurately.
Meanwhile, Kirumira remains hospitalized, under police guard, and has provided a statement to the investigators. In the courtroom, his co-accused appeared visibly distressed. The court remanded them to Luzira Prison, and the case is set for mention on December 18, 2025.
This legal crisis represents a sharp fall from grace for Kirumira. He first rose to prominence in 2017, gaining fame for his flamboyant charity gestures, lavish cash handouts, and high-profile appearances.
But his past has not been without controversy. He has faced serious allegations before, including an attempted murder charge in 2017 (later dropped) and a 2020 arrest over fraud and unpaid debts.
As the court process unfolds, this case may emerge as one of Uganda’s most sensational criminal trials, a sharp contrast to the generosity and glamour that once defined Bryan White’s public persona.
