Celebrated Ugandan musician Jose Chameleone has taken legal action against blogger and TikToker Janie Namukasa over defamatory statements regarding his alleged imprisonment in the United States. Chameleone, through his legal team, issued a cease and desist letter demanding a public apology and compensation amounting to 100 million Ugandan shillings (approximately Ksh 3.52 million).
The controversy erupted after Namukasa claimed on February 18, 2025, that Chameleone had been incarcerated in the U.S. following a dispute with his friend and caregiver, Juliet Zewedde. In response, Chameleone’s legal team dismissed the allegations as false and malicious, emphasizing that they had caused significant harm to his reputation. The letter gave Namukasa five days to issue an apology on the same platform where she made the allegations.
Amid the rumors, Chameleone took to social media to clarify his situation, revealing that he was in the hospital for surgery. “In hospital for my surgery, I thank you all for the love and prayers. All will be well in Jesus’ name,” he posted.
The singer has been battling health issues since late 2024 when he was first admitted to a Ugandan hospital before being transferred to the U.S. for further treatment. Chameleone previously expressed his gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their support during his medical journey.
“This festive season marks a first for me – spending it away from the stage and away from all of you, my beloved fans. Unfortunately, my hospitalization has disrupted our annual tradition of celebrating together through music,” Chameleone stated. He went on to thank Nakasero Hospital for their care and extended special appreciation to Juliet Zewedde for accompanying him to the U.S. for treatment.
The nature of his illness has since been confirmed as acute pancreatitis, a condition often associated with excessive alcohol consumption. His son, Abba Marcus, shared details of his father’s health struggles in a TikTok video, revealing that prolonged alcohol use had led to significant weight loss and other complications. Doctors have reportedly warned Chameleone about the potential severity of his condition should he fail to follow medical advice regarding alcohol consumption.
Marcus also defended his mother, Daniella Atim, from unfair blame. Chameleone and Daniella, who are estranged, have been living separately since her relocation to the U.S.
As Chameleone continues his recovery, fans and well-wishers hope for his swift return to the music scene, while legal proceedings regarding the defamation case unfold.
