President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Senior Presidential Advisor overseeing media, Joseph Tamale Mirundi, and the unconventional city lawyer, Kassim Male Mabirizi, have volunteered to be sureties for Ibrahim Musana (27), known as “Pressure 247,” currently held at Luzira prison on charges of hate speech and spreading malicious information.
Recently, Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi extended Musana’s remand until March 7, 2024, pending the mention of his cases. Despite the opportunity for bail, the initial presented sureties lacked essential documents, such as a National Identity Card.
While Musana’s loved ones strategize his release, Mirundi asserts his readiness to stand as a surety, arguing that the charges pose a threat to freedom of speech, urging Ugandans to support Musana against what he perceives as unjust accusations.
Mirundi alleges a conspiracy involving financial incentives to Dr. T. Amala by individuals linked to Buganda’s Kingdom TV and radio to create defamatory content about him, emphasizing that only President Museveni and First Lady Janet Kaguta Museveni can withstand such defamation.
Issuing a caution to Buganda Kingdom officials, Mirundi vows to expose their alleged misconduct in court, citing manipulation of gifts donated by Baganda to their King.
Lawyer Mabirizi echoes support for Musana, contending that criticizing a public figure funded by taxpayers does not constitute an offense. He warns that silencing dissent against Kabaka Mutebi could provoke public resentment, evoking memories of 1966 when cultural leadership faced opposition.
Recalling historical events, Mabirizi narrates how King Mutesa’s actions in 1966 prompted public discontent, emphasizing the need for preserving free speech. In response, Israel Kitooke Kazibwe, the Buganda Kingdom information and mobilization minister, asserts their determination to legally punish those insulting Kabaka Mutebi and threatens imprisonment for those filing what he deems as baseless cases against the monarch.
