Kampala, Uganda — November 5, 2025
Ugandan socialite and businessman Bryan White—real name Brian Kirumira—is at the center of a police investigation after a 25-year-old woman, identified as Caroline Nalubwama, died in a fire at his residence in Kyadondo, Makindye Division, Kampala.
The Incident
According to police, the fire broke out in the early hours of October 27, 2025, reportedly caused by a gas explosion in one of the guest rooms. Nalubwama sustained severe burns and was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she later died.
Bryan White also sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kampala under police supervision.
Police have since sealed off the property as a crime scene while forensic experts and fire investigators examine the origin of the blaze.
Police Statement
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the ongoing investigation in a media briefing on Tuesday.
“We received a report of a fire at the home of Mr. Brian Kirumira on the morning of October 27. A young woman was badly burned and later pronounced dead at Mulago Hospital,” Owoyesigyire said.
“We have recovered several items from the house for analysis, including gas cylinders and electronic appliances. Our forensic team is also reviewing CCTV footage from the compound to establish what exactly happened. We are treating the death as suspicious until all evidence is reviewed,” he added.
Owoyesigyire further noted that Bryan White had recorded a preliminary statement and that a post-mortem report would be released within the week.
Eyewitness Accounts
Neighbors described scenes of chaos as smoke and flames engulfed the compound in the early morning hours.
“We heard a loud explosion, like something bursting,” said Patricia Nakabugo, a neighbor who lives across the street.
“When we ran outside, we saw fire and people shouting from inside the gate. The guards were trying to call the police and break the doors.”
Another eyewitness, Ronald Muwonge, said he saw Bryan White being carried out by two men, visibly injured but conscious.
“He looked shocked and was crying. I heard him asking about a woman inside the house,” Muwonge recounted. “It was a terrible sight. The fire brigade arrived about 20 minutes later.”
Background and Public Reaction
The incident has reignited public debate about the flamboyant socialite’s controversial past. Bryan White rose to fame in the late 2010s with his extravagant displays of wealth and charity drives under the Bryan White Foundation. However, his reputation has since been clouded by legal troubles, including assault and fraud allegations.
Social media has been flooded with speculation and mixed reactions. Some Ugandans expressed sympathy, while others questioned whether the tragedy could be linked to previous scandals surrounding his personal life.
“It’s heartbreaking if it was truly an accident, but police must dig deep—this isn’t the first time strange things have happened around him,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Next Steps
Police sources indicate that the post-mortem and forensic reports will guide the next phase of the investigation. Detectives have not ruled out the possibility of criminal negligence or foul play.
“We urge the public to avoid speculation,” said Owoyesigyire. “Our priority is to establish the truth and deliver justice for the deceased.”
Bryan White’s representatives have not yet issued an official statement.
