Socialite Bryan Kirumira, commonly known as Bryan White, was on Friday returned to hospital after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrates Court in visibly severe pain.
Kirumira, who is the lead suspect in a case involving the death of 25 year old Caroline Nalubwama, was brought to court lying on a mattress with his feet heavily bandaged. Moments after prison officers removed him from the police van, he began wailing and pleading for painkillers, repeatedly telling officers that the pain was unbearable.
“I am in so much pain. Please give me some painkillers. You are so unfair,” he cried out as officers attempted to move him into the courtroom. He also called out for the President and Gen Salim Saleh to intervene.
His condition brought proceedings to a standstill. Grade One Magistrate Lorna Patience Kukundane halted the session after observing his state.
“We are unable to read the charges. Take this man back to hospital,” she ordered, prompting prison officers to lift him out of the courtroom.
Although his name appears on the charge sheet, Kirumira was not able to take plea. Instead, charges were formally read to his co accused before Grade One Magistrate Teddy Nakawuki.
Those charged include his wife, Daisy Nalunga, and three others identified as Daphine Abaho, Naava Nakato, and Joyce Irene Nambalirwa. The group listened as the clerk read out seven counts they face, including human sacrifice, manslaughter, rash and negligent acts, possession of narcotics, conspiracy to commit a felony, and giving false information to police.
Magistrate Nakawuki ordered the four to be remanded to Luzira Prison until December 18, 2025.
According to prosecution, Nalubwama sustained severe burns at Kirumira’s home in Kyamula Zone on October 22. The state alleges that she was burnt during acts linked to witchcraft, contrary to the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act.
Another count accuses Kirumira of manslaughter for allegedly causing her death and later taking her to Kiruddu Hospital, where she died. Investigators say he failed to take precautions against combustible materials in his possession. Marijuana was also reportedly recovered from his residence.
Prosecution further alleges that Nalunga, Abaho, and Nakato participated in acts that led to Nalubwama’s injuries, including massaging her with petrol, ghee, and honey while lighting candle wax near her body. They are also accused of giving false information to police, claiming she was burnt on October 27 and admitted directly to Kiruddu Hospital, despite evidence showing she was first taken to M Mabirizi Nursing Home on October 22.
Nambalirwa, an administrator at the nursing home, faces separate charges of manslaughter and causing death by a negligent act for allegedly failing to refer Nalubwama to a major hospital despite the severity of her burns.
Kirumira had earlier told detectives the burns resulted from a gas cylinder explosion while Nalubwama was cooking. However, her family disputed this version. Her father, Ssalongo Tom Mutyaba, said the socialite called him and claimed his daughter died while being treated at a shrine. Detectives who visited the residence later reported finding grass thatched structures believed to be shrines within the compound.
Relatives of the deceased watched quietly in the courtroom as the charges were read, the atmosphere tense as the tragic details of the case unfolded.
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