Police at Lira Central Police station have arrested a 28-year-old local artist manager for allegedly assaulting and maliciously damaging the musician’s vehicle.
Musical manager Isaac Awio, alias Awio Scrap Dealer, was arrested on January 5, 2025, together with his 28-year-old bouncer Erick Odyeny.
Awio is a resident of Obutowelo B Cell in Lira City West Division.
“It is alleged that on January 3, 2025, Awio, and his six hired bouncers, attacked and assaulted renowned local artist Ogwang Walter, alias Lil Square, and maliciously damaged his white Toyota Max 2 Grand vehicle (registration number UAU 045Q),” police said.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema said a video circulating on social media showed Awio’s group parking in front of the artist’s car before launching the attack, which included smashing the vehicle’s windshield.
“Police, led by the District Police Commander of Lira City CPS, closely followed this matter. Initial attempts to arrest the suspects failed as they tried to jump over the fence from Glass Lounge,” SP Okema told journalists on Monday.
“Now we have them in police cells at Lira Central Police Station. Efforts to apprehend the other bouncers who were caught in the act of damaging the vehicle are still ongoing,” he added.
Police “strongly condemned the act of violence perpetrated by Awio and his accomplices against Ogwang.”
“We shall investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that the perpetrators of violence are brought to justice. We appeal to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police as we work to resolve this matter.” he added.
The last two months have been marked by a rare escalation of violence in Uganda’s music industry, triggering national concern.