TikToker 'Pressure 247' Granted Bail After 5 Months in Custody

Embattled Ugandan TikToker Ibrahim Musana, widely recognized as ‘Pressure 247,’ has been granted bail by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court. Musana had been in custody for approximately five months on charges related to alleged offensive content targeting the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Presiding Magistrate Rophine Achayo cited Article 23(6)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that an accused person held for over 60 days without trial is eligible for bail. The court found that Musana’s prolonged detention far surpassed this limit and that the delays in his trial were not attributable to his actions.

Musana was ordered to pay a cash bail of Shs1 million and provide two sureties, each bound by a Shs5 million non-cash bond and verifiable residency. He must also surrender his National ID and an LC1 letter. Crucially, he is prohibited from contacting the complainant, witnesses, or interfering with the ongoing investigations.

He faces charges under the Data Protection and Privacy Act for unlawfully obtaining Gen. Muhoozi’s personal data and under the Computer Misuse Act for hate speech. The prosecution alleges Musana used his TikTok handle to disseminate content demeaning the army chief.

His case had seen multiple adjournments due to administrative delays in the case file’s progression between police and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office. His defense lawyer formally applied for mandatory bail on grounds of exceeding the 60-day pre-trial detention limit.

Musana will remain in Luzira Prison until all bail conditions, including surety vetting and payments, are met. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 9, 2026.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)