Kampala socialite Brian Kirumira, aka Bryan White’s wife, Nava Nakato, has been arrested in connection with the death of a 25-year-old woman, Caroline Nalubwama.
Nalubwama died at Kiruddu hospital, after reportedly sustaining burn injuries at White’s residence in Kyamula, Makindye Division. White told police that the injuries resulted from a gas cylinder explosion while she was cooking.
Nalubwama’s family members, however, have rejected White’s explanation, alleging foul play. They claim Nalubwama, who had recently returned from Dubai, was in a romantic relationship with White and suspect that her death may have been a ritual killing.
Detectives reportedly found grass-thatched structures suspected to be shrines at White’s residence. The deceased’s father, Ssalongo Tom Mutyaba, told police that White personally called to inform him of his daughter’s death, allegedly while she was receiving treatment at a shrine.
Following his statement, the police transferred the case file from Katwe to Natete Division to allow for a broader investigation. Addressing journalists at Naguru police headquarters, Kampala Metropolitan deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and analysing medical records to determine the actual cause of death.
Owoyesigyire revealed inconsistencies in White’s account regarding when and where Nalubwama was injured.
“Bryan White told police that the deceased was burned on October 24 and that he reported the incident on October 27. However, evidence shows she was admitted to Mabilizi Nursing Home on Entebbe Road on October 22 and remained there until October 27, when she was transferred to Kiruddu hospital after her condition worsened,” he said.
According to police, Nalubwama remained at Mabilizi Nursing Home for nearly a week because White allegedly refused to clear her medical bills.
“Investigations suggest that Bryan White tried to resolve the matter privately without notifying police, even as the victim’s condition deteriorated,” Owoyesigyire added.
“The hospital withheld her care due to unpaid bills. We have since arrested Joyce Irene Nambalirwa, the facility owner, for negligence and withholding the deceased.”
Three other suspects arrested are Daisy Nalunga and Daphne Abaho, have also been detained. White, who remains hospitalised under police guard, is no stranger to controversy.
In 2017, he and his bodyguard were charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting a neighbour, Victor Bitwire. Though the charges were later dropped, White spent time in prison before being released on bail.
In 2020, he was again arrested over fraud-related charges and unpaid debts, including the alleged acquisition of a luxury car under false pretenses.