TikToker ‘Pressure 24/7’ granted mandatory bail after five months on remand

What the report says

Ugandan TikToker Ibrahim Musana, known online as Pressure 24/7, has been granted mandatory bail after spending about five months on remand in a case linked to alleged offensive posts about Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Sqoop Uganda reported that the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court found he had remained in custody beyond the 60-day constitutional limit without his trial beginning.

Grade One Magistrate Rophine Achayo, ruling for Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, said the delay was not caused by Musana. The court said he was entitled to release under Uganda’s constitutional provisions on mandatory bail, but set conditions for his freedom.

The court fixed cash bail at Shs1 million and required two substantial sureties, each to sign a non-cash bond of Shs5 million. Musana must also surrender his national ID, present an introductory letter from his LC1 chairperson, and avoid contacting Gen Muhoozi, witnesses, or investigators. He will stay in custody until the sureties are vetted and the paperwork is completed.

According to the report, Musana was charged over content posted on his TikTok account, including allegations under the Computer Misuse Act and the Data Protection and Privacy Act. His lawyer sought mandatory bail in July, while the state did not oppose release but asked for strict conditions. The case is expected back in court on September 9. The matter has drawn attention because it sits at the intersection of online speech, criminal charges, and Uganda’s remand rules.