City socialite Bryan Kirumira, known as Bryan White, was rushed back to hospital on Friday after collapsing in agony on a mattress at Makindye Chief Magistrates Court, where he faces charges of human sacrifice and manslaughter over the death of 25-year-old Carol Nalubwama.
Bandaged and writhing, Kirumira was wheeled before Grade One Magistrate Lorna Patience Kukundane. Shocked by his condition, she halted proceedings. “We are unable to read the charges. Take this man back to hospital,” she ordered as prison officers carried him out.
Kirumira, the lead suspect, could not be arraigned. Instead, his wife Daisy Nalunga and four others faced seven counts including ritual murder, manslaughter, conspiracy, narcotics possession and giving false information.
Prosecutors allege that on 22 October Kirumira killed Nalubwama at his Kyamula home for witchcraft purposes, burning her with petrol, ghee and candle wax during a massage. She died days later at Kiruddu Hospital. Kirumira claimed a gas cylinder explosion while cooking; police found suspected shrines and marijuana at the residence.
Nalunga, Daphine Abaho and Naava Nakato are accused of conspiring in the ritual and lying to police about the burn date. Joyce Irene Nambalirwa, administrator at M. Mabirizi Nursing Home, faces manslaughter for failing to refer the victim promptly.
Magistrate Teddy Nakawuki remanded the five to Luzira Prison until 18 December. “The accused are hereby remanded for mention before the Chief Magistrate,” she ruled.
Nalubwama’s family rejected Kirumira’s account, saying he claimed she died at a shrine. Detectives recovered leaves and seeds identified as cannabis. The case has gripped Kampala, exposing alleged occult practices among the elite.
