Mudra on why police directives on musician gangs won’t work

Singer Mudra has weighed in on the recent police directive banning musicians from moving with large entourages to events. 

Speaking on NTV’s Mwasuze Mutya programme, Mudra argued that the blanket policy fails to account for the importance of these groups to artists’ security and comfort.

“Gangs Are Not All Bad”

The Balo Balo singer defended the concept of entourages, stating that not all gangs associated with musicians are harmful. 

"These are the people who are closest to you. It makes you comfortable when going out. You feel more firm," he explained.

The conduct of a group, he said, is determined by its leader. 

"The leader is the one who determines how destructive his squad is. You see me with 30 people, but these are all good people. I know them because I come from the ghetto," he added.

The Security Factor

Mudra expressed concerns over the safety of musicians at large events, pointing out that event organisers’ security measures are often inadequate. 

"You cannot tell me to go to such a big event like Enkuuka with only five people like I heard the minister and police say," he said.

He argued that event bouncers are not as invested in an artist’s safety as their personal team.

 "We annoy so many people out there. The event security cannot care about you like your own people," he added.

Police Justifications for the Ban

The police directive, announced on 6 January, came in the wake of violent incidents involving musicians Alien Skin and Pallaso. 

Their rival gangs clashed on multiple occasions, prompting Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman Patrick Onyango to declare that large entourages would no longer be tolerated.

The directive limits musicians to five team members, including a DJ, manager, secretary, treasurer, and one security personnel. Onyango warned that excess members would be arrested.

Artists’ Reality vs. Policy

Mudra believes the directive overlooks the realities of the music industry. "You cannot say that you are banning artists from moving with their teams because this is their security," he said. 

He stressed that large entourages are not only about security but also about creating a support system that helps artists navigate public life.