The Uganda National Promoters Association (NPA) has taken a strong stand by banning artists Patrick Mulwana, better known as Alien Skin, and Pius Mayanja, alias Pallaso, from performing for the next three months.
This decision was made during a press conference at the National Theatre on Friday, January 3, 2025, where the association, led by Abbey Musinguzi (Abitex) and Balaam Barugahara (the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs), announced that the two musicians would no longer be booked for any events.
“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 stated.
He also expressed his growing concern about the rising violence in the music industry, particularly involving gangs. Barugahara highlighted a disturbing incident at Forest Park Buloba on January 1st during Crysto Panda’s Empele Festival, where an innocent child was injured in a clash between Alien Skin’s Fangone Forest gang and Pallaso’s group.
“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,” he added.
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NTV Uganda joined in the effort to restore peace, announcing the same day a ban on playing Alien Skin and Pallaso’s music on their entertainment show, NTV The Beat. Presenters Sammy Wetala, Dagy Nyce, and Lynda Ddane communicated the decision, stating that the show is committed to promoting harmony in the music industry.
“As a show dedicated to entertaining and uplifting the public through transformative content, we will not be playing Pallaso’s or Alien Skin’s music until further notice,” the presenters declared.
The ban comes in the wake of chaos during last year’s Enkuuka, followed by the violent altercation between the two artists at the Empele Festival. Lifestyle Uganda news reported that Pallaso attacked members of Alien Skin’s gang on January 2nd in retaliation for a confrontation, injuring several people and causing property damage.
