Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court has extended the remand of Ibrahim Musana, also known as Pressure 24 Seven, a TikToker accused of disseminating information that mocked and incited hostility against President Yoweri Museveni and Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi.
The 27-year-old was brought before the court on February 23, 2024, facing charges of promoting hate speech and spreading malicious information.
Prosecutors allege that from August 2023 to February 2024, in Kampala district, Musana used his TikTok account to share content likely to degrade and promote hostility against leaders, including the Kabaka, Museveni, Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among, and State Minister for ICT Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo.
Musana, who pleaded not guilty, lacked sureties during his initial appearance and was remanded to Luzira prison. Today, as the prosecution updated the court on ongoing investigations, state attorneys Richard Birivumbuka and Joan Keko reported that inquiries were still in progress.
Pressure, represented by lawyers Kakuru Tumusiime and Kato Tumusiime, sought bail, asserting that the charges are bailable as he maintains his innocence.
The legal team informed the court that their client resides in Church Zone, Najjanankumbi, backed by a letter from the local LC1 chairperson vouching for his law-abiding nature. Pressure provided two sureties, his sister Brenda Nambooze, a Najjanankumbi resident and cosmetic shop owner, and his friend Ibrahim Ssembatya from Kisenyi.
Despite these efforts, bail was not granted. Prosecutor Birivumbuka requested a week to authenticate the provided documents before responding formally to the bail application. Consequently, Pressure remains remanded in Luzira prison until March 15, when the court will decide on his bail.
During his initial court appearance, Pressure, citing psychological issues from past admission to Butabiika National Referral Mental Hospital, did not directly address the charges, claiming ignorance of the offense. He asserted that he was disturbed by the spirits of Buganda’s deceased kings, demanding tomb repairs but faced financial constraints.
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Despite writing to Buganda kingdom for two years claiming prince status and explaining the spiritual demands, he reported receiving no response.
In a plea to the court, he begged for forgiveness, vowing to refrain from targeting leaders and committing to delete all hate speech content from his TikTok account.
His predicament began when Buganda Kingdom officials reported his case of ridiculing the Kabaka to the police. After spending over a week in police custody, he was brought before the court, which subsequently remanded him again.
