Ibrahim Musana, also known as Pressure 24/7, accused of making derogatory remarks against the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi, and President Yoweri Museveni, has been remanded further to Luzira Prison by Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayiizi.
Musana’s remand extends until April 29, awaiting updates on the progress of investigations into his hate speech case, as indicated by State Attorney Ivan Kyazze during a court session on April 12, 2024. Kyazze assured the court that investigations would be concluded by the next hearing date.
During his initial appearance in court in February of the same year, Musana refrained from entering a plea, citing his lack of awareness regarding the legal consequences of his TikTok posts. He claimed to be psychologically unwell, having previously received treatment at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital.
Musana attributed his actions to disturbances from the spirits of Buganda’s deceased Kings, whom he claimed demanded him to restore their tombs, citing financial constraints as a hindrance to fulfilling their wishes. He asserted his status as a prince and stated his attempts to communicate with Buganda Kingdom officials, albeit without any response.
Expressing remorse, Musana appealed to the court for leniency, pledging to cease attacking leaders and delete all hate speech content from his TikTok account.
The genesis of Musana’s legal woes stemmed from Buganda Kingdom officials’ report to the police regarding his ridicule of the Kabaka. Subsequently, he spent a week in police custody before appearing in court.
Prosecution accuses Musana of disseminating hate speech via his TikTok account between August 2023 and February 2024. Allegedly, the shared content aimed to degrade, demean, and incite hostility against several leaders, including the Kabaka, President Museveni, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, and State Minister for Information Communication Technology, Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo.
