(Kampala) – Patrick Mulwana, known on stage as Alien Skin, was arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on November 20, 2024. The charges? Allegedly relieving one Salim Mubiru of his shiny new iPhone 15 (valued at UGX 3.5 million, about $930), UGX 480,000 in cash (around $127), a wallet, and a national ID. But this was not your average pickpocketing episode. The musician is also accused of employing violence during the heist.
Like a scene from a Luganda drama, Alien Skin appeared in court looking less like a star and more like a downcast character from a Kadongo Kamu song about life’s hard knocks. Chief Magistrate Esther Adikini, possibly unimpressed by his celebrity status, told him flatly, “Bail? Not today.” He was remanded until December 9, leaving him time to contemplate his next album—perhaps titled From Studio to Prison Bars.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Salim Mubiru |
| Stolen Items | iPhone 15, UGX 480,000, Wallet |
| Court Appearance Date | November 20, 2024 |
| Next Hearing Date | December 9, 2024 |
The robbery charge was not the end of his troubles. Earlier, police had announced investigations into Alien Skin’s involvement in an assault at Nsambya Hospital, where he allegedly led a mob that roughed up medical staff and security guards after the death of his associate, Joram Tumwesigye. The victim, reportedly a member of Alien Skin’s Fangone Forest gang, passed away after being admitted with severe injuries.
In a series of events worthy of a Ugandan thriller, the group allegedly stormed the hospital like a scene from the 1980s “Nkungulubanja,” shoving medics and demanding Tumwesigye’s medical forms. Security guards Anthony Muyanda and Alex Odongo, along with Dr. Zaidi Matovu, bore the brunt of their rage, sustaining injuries that landed them in hospital beds themselves.
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nsambya Hospital |
| Victims | 1 doctor, 2 security guards |
| Alleged Perpetrator | Alien Skin |
| Reason for Altercation | Death of gang member |
Social media, Uganda’s unofficial court of public opinion, lit up like a Christmas tree. On X (formerly Twitter), videos circulated of the chaos, fueling furious debates. While some users posted memes comparing Alien Skin’s antics to an exaggerated Nigerian film, others questioned how a national star could stoop so low.
For a musician whose rise to fame began during the Covid-19 lockdown, Alien Skin’s reputation was already peppered with controversial headlines. From public spats with fellow musician Pallaso to scuffles with promoters Nobert Twizire and Andrew Mukasa (Bajjo), the musician has often danced on the thin line between fame and infamy.
Whether he is released or not, one thing seems certain. Alien Skin’s signature dreadlocks may not survive the prison barber. And who knows, Luzira Prison might just host its first Fangone Forest concert.
