José Chameleon asserts that his support for Museveni is based on loyalty, not for any gain financially. Veteran Ugandan musician Jose Chameleon is making headlines for publicly declaring support for President Yoweri Museveni’s seventh term, stressing that his action was by conviction and not because he was paid to do so. “I’m not here to be paid,” Chameleone said, putting to rest speculation that his support was induced financially.
After Tanzanian star Diamond Platinum’s endorsement of President Samia Suluhu’s re-election campaign,Chameleone threw his hat into the political ring in Uganda, joining forces with Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement. The Jamila and Valu Valu hitmaker has been on the frontline in Museveni’s campaign, traversing the country in an NRM-branded “Border to Border” bus to drum up support.
Chameleone attributed his support to appreciation and loyalty. He explained that President Museveni looked after him during two serious illnesses, thus making it “high time I also invest in him.” He said other factors include peace, stability, and personal growth under the leadership of Museveni.
This isn’t Chameleone’s first political jockeying job; he was part of the 2015 “Tubonga Nawe” campaign, a musical drive to support Museveni. Despite public skepticism and rumors of financial incentives, Chameleone insists his current involvement is entirely self-funded and voluntary.
This is a reflection of the increasing trend by East African artists in political debate and the use of their platforms to marshal public opinion. Though not all fans agree on whether musicians should endorse politicians, Chameleone’s declaration underscores a personal story of loyalty and national pride.
By Nairobi