In response to escalating violence involving musician-led gangs, Kampala Metropolitan Police has imposed restrictions on Ugandan artistes, limiting them to moving with a maximum of five team members to and from performance venues.
“Kampala Metropolitan Police and the joint security team do not want to see any artiste moving with a group of youths who are hooligans or whose intention is to cause havoc,” stated police spokesperson Patrick Onyango during a press briefing.
The allowed entourage includes;
Police warned that any additional members would face screening, with non-compliant individuals detained.
The police directive comes on the heels of a 90-day ban imposed by event promoters on artistes associated with violent gangs. This move, aimed at separating criminal behavior from the music industry, is a significant step toward restoring order in Uganda’s entertainment sector.
Alien Skin
“Music should unite people, regardless of their political affiliations. It should not be used to destroy property, harm others, or promote criminality,” emphasized Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs. Barugahara also dismissed claims that Alien Skin (Patrick Mulwana) was being used by the government to counter opposition figure and musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). He reiterated that the government does not tolerate criminal activity, citing President Museveni's commitment to prosecuting offenders, even within his administration.
The new measures follow a series of clashes between gangs associated with Pallaso (Pius Mayanja) and Alien Skin, which have caused widespread alarm. On December 31, 2024, Alien Skin’s gang was accused of assaulting revelers and stealing mobile phones during the Kabaka’s year-end event, Enkuuka. Days later, the feud escalated when Pallaso’s gang attacked Alien Skin’s residence in Kizungu Zone, Makindye Division, causing injuries and property damage.
The conflict reportedly began during a performance in Buloba, Wakiso District, and flared up again at Crysto Panda’s concert, where Alien Skin’s gang allegedly tried to block Pallaso from performing. The situation worsened on January 2, 2025, when Pallaso’s gang launched two raids on Alien Skin’s residence armed with pangas, pit axes, and hammers. Police thwarted the first attack at 3 a.m., but the second raid at 9 a.m. caused significant destruction, leaving five vehicles with shattered windshields, three homes with broken windows, and UGX 6 million in cash stolen. Two victims sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Mengo Hospital.
