The State Minister for Youth and Children, Balaam Barugahara, has asked the Uganda Police Force to step in and deal with the ongoing fights between gangs loyal to musicians Alien Skin (real name Patrick Mulwana) and Pallaso (Pius Mayanja).
It all started when Alien Skin’s crew stormed Buganda Kingdom’s end-of-year event and attacked people in the crowd who had booed him during his performance. Many were left nursing injuries, and some even lost their phones and wallets to the gang.
Things escalated on Wednesday when Alien Skin’s gang disrupted Pallaso’s performance at the Mpele concert in Buloba. They pulled him off the stage, and Alien Skin even punched him as he was leaving. His group didn’t stop there—they attacked people in the crowd, stealing phones and wallets.
Pallaso’s crew retaliated the next day by attacking Alien Skin’s home in Makindye. They destroyed property, and Alien Skin reportedly had to hide on the roof to escape. Some of his gang members hid in the ceiling.
The public is outraged, and Minister Barugahara has warned that if the government doesn’t act fast, these clashes could lead to deaths. He’s also announced that his music promotion company will no longer work with either Alien Skin or Pallaso.
“Zero tolerance for violence in the arts,” Barugahara said. “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.”
However, not everyone is happy with Barugahara’s stance. Critics have pointed out that he didn’t speak up when Alien Skin and his gang attacked National Unity Platform (NUP) offices in Makerere Kavule two weeks ago.
NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) also weighed in. He said, “I am personally not worried about Alien Skin’s behaviour but I am worried for him because he is likely to end like many others who have been used by the regime.” Kyagulanyi referred to Charles Olim, aka Sipapa, who was involved in similar incidents in 2020 and is now in Luzira prison on robbery charges.
Meanwhile, during the clashes in Buloba, innocent bystanders, including children, were injured and had to be hospitalized. Minister Barugahara expressed his dismay, calling for immediate action to dismantle these gangs and hold their leaders accountable.
“This is devastating,” he said. “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.”
He warned that the music industry is spiraling out of control and called for urgent action.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy police spokesperson for Kampala, said police had arrested 30 people who caused trouble at the Buganda event. However, it’s unclear if any of them were part of Alien Skin’s gang.
