Lira, Uganda | Maros Atine known by his stage name Professor Maros has rejected claims by a section of Lango artists accusing him of withholding UGX 10 million allegedly allocated by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to pay musicians who performed during Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero’s post-nomination rally on 23 October 2025 at Lira Tipper Stage.
The allegations were raised by some local artists who claimed they were promised payment for their performances during the celebrations that followed Dr. Aceng’s nomination as Lira City Woman MP.
In a phone interview on Monday, Prof. Maros dismissed the claims as baseless and politically driven.
He said he had no knowledge of any funds designated for artists and stated that he was not responsible for any financial arrangements made for the event.
He explained that some of those who performed and were complaining about him had arrived after seeing the large crowds and were not formally contracted by the organising team.
He stated that the duty to facilitate performers lay with the organising committee and not with him personally.
He further indicated that the allegations appeared to be an attempt to politically discredit him due to his strong public support for Dr. Aceng’s candidacy.
He advised those making accusations to seek answers through official NRM party structures rather than circulating claims in the media, adding that he was not aware of any artist who was officially entitled to payment.
Ogwang Walter alias Lil Square, the head of Apatang Music Empire, stated that he had been contacted by Prof. Maros to perform at the rally.
He said that after performing, he was informed that his name was not on the official programme and therefore would not receive payment.
He claimed he had expected to be paid UGX 1 million for his contribution and was now pursuing the matter through formal party channels, while warning that he would make the issue public if it is not resolved.
The NRM Publicity Secretary for Lira City, Jacob Ocen, said the party office had not received any formal complaint regarding the matter.
He reported that he was not aware of any arrangement involving local artists, did not know who had mobilised them, and had no information on the source of the alleged UGX 10 million.
He said the absence of formal documentation made it difficult to respond immediately but indicated that he would engage the organising committee to ascertain the facts.
The dispute arose following the nomination of Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who is seeking re-election as Lira City Woman Member of Parliament in the 2025/2026 general elections.
The post-nomination rally attracted large crowds and featured performances by numerous local artists, some of whom are now demanding clarity on financial arrangements.
