Alien Skin (inset top) fans wave Fangone Forest flags during the Enkuuka festival at the Lubiri Palace in Mengo on December 31,2024. Having a gang has become a status symbol for many musicians. (Lower inset shows musician Pallaso). PHOTO | MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
The Uganda music promoters under their body The National Promoters Association (NPA) have unanimously decided to ban artists Patrick Mulwana alias Alien Skin and Pius Mayanja alias Pallaso from staging shows for three months.
The music promoters decided this during a press conference held at the National Theatre on Friday, January 3, 2025.
The association represented by Abbey Musinguzi alias Abitex and Balaam Barugahara, who also doubles as the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs announced that the two musicians will no longer be booked to sing at any musical event.
“Zero tolerance for violence in the arts. Effective immediately, as a promoter, and our agency, we shall not associate with or promote any artist affiliated with gangs involved in violence against others. Let’s restore discipline and decency in the art sector. Join in condemning violence and promoting peaceful coexistence,” Minister Barugahara said.
Barugahara also said that the music industry has hit an alarming note because gang violence is increasing in the industry.
The Radio 4 proprietor also expressed concern about an innocent child injured in Alien Skin and Pallaso clashes at Forest Park Buloba on 1st January during Crysto Panda’s Empele festival music show.
“The devastating story of a young man brutally assaulted in Buloba last night, during a clash between Fangone Forest (Alien Skin gang) and Pallaso group, is a heartbreaking testament to the chaos. Enough is enough. We should all demand immediate intervention from authorities to dismantle these gangs. Leaders and sponsors to face consequences for promoting violence.”
