By Ben Musanje
Kampala is struggling to come to terms with one of the city’s most disturbing criminal investigations in years following the death of 25-year-old Caroline Nalubwama, who reportedly sustained fatal burn injuries at the home of flamboyant socialite Bryan Kirumira, widely known as Bryan White.
On 13th November 2025, four suspects, Daisy Nalunga, Daphine Abaho, Naava Nakato, and Joyce Irene Nambalirwa, appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court. Bryan White did not appear.
Police said he remained under their guard in hospital, receiving treatment for injuries he allegedly sustained during the incident.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed that despite White’s hospitalization, charges had already been sanctioned against him, bringing the total number of suspects to five.
Owoyesigyire noted that White’s condition was being monitored closely to ensure he remained in lawful custody throughout his treatment.
He explained that the police were taking measures to prevent interference in the investigation, emphasizing that White’s eventual discharge from the hospital would directly lead to his formal remand.
The suspects face a string of serious charges, including human sacrifice, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of narcotics, giving false information to police, and negligent acts causing death.
According to prosecutors, Caroline sustained severe burns at White’s Kyamula residence on 22nd October 2025 and later died at Kiruddu Hospital.
Investigations, Owoyesigyire revealed, uncovered inconsistencies in the accounts initially given to authorities.
Evidence suggested that the victim had been burnt earlier than reported, and police later discovered grass-thatched structures within White’s compound, which were suspected to be shrines.
Owoyesigyire stated that while the structures were confirmed to exist, their purpose was still under investigation.
Authorities allege that Nalunga, Abaho, and Nakato conspired with White to conduct a ritual-related act involving petrol, ghee, honey, and candle wax.
In a separate count, Nambalirwa was accused of mishandling Caroline’s treatment at M. Mabirizi Nursing Home, allegedly leading to delays that contributed to her death.
Caroline’s father, Ssalongo Tom Mutyaba, dismissed the explanation that the burns resulted from a gas explosion.
He said Bryan White had personally contacted him and claimed his daughter had died under spiritual circumstances while being treated in a shrine, which deepened the family’s suspicions.
Court proceedings were emotional, drawing large crowds of journalists, relatives, and onlookers. As the charges were read, the courtroom was gripped with grief and tension.
Caroline’s family maintained a quiet, heartbroken presence as they listened to the recount of events leading to her death.
For years, Bryan White had crafted an image of influence, wealth, and generosity through his flashy public appearances and charity drives.
But as police tape now surrounds his once-celebrated mansion and investigations widen, that image continues to crumble.
Owoyesigyire reiterated that the police were committed to pursuing the case to its conclusion, emphasizing that White would be produced in court once he survived hospitalization and was stable enough to appear.
The case is scheduled to return to court on 18th December 2025, when the suspects will again appear before Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera.
As Kampala watches the developments, it has become increasingly clear that behind the glitter of wealth and celebrity can lie darker realities—ones that have left a family devastated, a city shaken, and a once-untouchable figure facing the narrowing walls of accountability. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
