Iganga, Eastern Uganda— What began as a colourful celebration of women ended in scenes more suited to a backstreet brawl than a community gathering, as singer Alien Skin was forced to flee a violent crowd in Iganga on Sunday afternoon.
The 25-year-old entertainer, real name Patrick Mulwana, had been booked to perform at Iganga Municipal Council Primary School, where Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja had earlier delivered a keynote address at the district’s belated International Women’s Day celebrations.
But the festive mood turned sour shortly after the Prime Minister’s departure at around 3pm.
According to Busoga East police spokesperson Michael Kafayo, it all kicked off when the MC hyped the arrival of a “big musician”—cue” the dramatic entrance of Alien Skin. The crowd roared. A fan leapt onto the stage. Security moved in.
And then, everything changed.
Kafayo says Alien Skin’s bodyguards—Uganda’s infamous kanyamas—responded with what he diplomatically called “excessive force”. Witnesses claim the fan was beaten so badly he suffered a nosebleed. The fan’s alleged crime? Trying to dance with his idol.
That act of aggression sparked a fury among some in the crowd. The celebration turned into a confrontation. Stones flew. Tempers flared.
Realising the danger, Alien Skin beat a hasty retreat, his guards forming a human shield as they rushed him to a waiting car. But the drama didn’t stop there. The mob pursued the vehicle, pelting it with stones and reportedly smashing windows.
“We’re investigating the matter and following up on the individuals involved,” said Kafayo, describing the attackers as “hooligans”.
A Pattern of Chaos
For those familiar with Alien Skin’s rising—and controversial—career, the name has become synonymous not just with catchy lyrics and raw charisma but also with chaos.
The singer has previously clashed with fellow musician Pallaso (Pius Mayanja) in a series of public spats more dramatic than a reality TV episode.
In one infamous incident, Pallaso was dragged off stage mid-performance by a group believed to be loyal to Alien Skin. Pallaso’s camp later stormed Alien Skin’s Makindye residence, allegedly causing property damage. The singer—no stranger to conflict—reportedly hid in the ceiling as the raid unfolded.
Police were again called in, with complaints lodged over theft, damage to vehicles, and broken glass windows.
And just months before that, in November, Alien Skin was accused of leading an assault on Nsambya Hospital, allegedly attacking a medical worker and a security guard.
As investigations into Sunday’s violence continue, one question hangs heavy in the air: is Alien Skin a victim of celebrity backlash—or the common denominator in Uganda’s growing culture of stage-side anarchy?
Either way, the show in Iganga was over before it began—and the scars, both physical and reputational, may take a while to heal.
