Some of the destroyed property by revelers at Hotel Santa Maria Arua (Courtesy Photo)
Revelers in Arua City rampaged on Saturday night, destroying property worth millions of shillings after a music concert featuring popular Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo failed to take place.
The concert, dubbed “Eddy Kenzo Carnival: Twende Tupaate,” was scheduled to take place at Hotel Santa Maria behind the Arua City Offices.
Kenzo, who was recently appointed as the senior presidential adviser on creatives by President Museveni, along with other local artists, was supposed to perform. The trouble started around 11 p.m. when agitated revelers became upset due to delays in performances.
Both the local artists and the Big Talent singer, Eddy Kenzo, reportedly refused to perform, demanding full payment from the event organizers before stepping on stage.
Collins Asea, the acting police spokesperson for the West Nile region, explained the situation, stating that the frustrated crowd began rioting, destroying plastic chairs, vehicles, signposts, tables, and glasses.
This prompted security personnel to fire bullets in the air and use teargas to disperse the rowdy revelers.
He added that three security officers were injured after being hit by stones thrown by the revelers. So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Sam Apangu, the operations manager of Hotel Santa Maria, blamed the riot on the disagreement between the event organizers and the artists over unpaid fees.
Fred Debo, the manager of the neighboring Blue Dove Hotel, reported that their premises were also affected by the riot.
Efforts to get a comment from the event promoter, identified only as Stephen, were unsuccessful, as repeated calls went unanswered. In response to the incident, security authorities in the region have now called off a similar planned music concert that was scheduled to take place in Pakwach to prevent further disturbances.
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