Ugandan music legend Joseph Mayanja, better known as Jose Chameleone, escalated a brewing dispute with TikToker and media personality Janie Namukasa by filing a defamation lawsuit against her.
The legal action, lodged at the High Court in Kampala, follows a series of online claims by Namukasa that Chameleone alleges have tarnished his reputation, prompting him to demand an apology and UGX 100 million (approximately USD 26,000) in damages.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when Namukasa, a journalist with Radio 4, took it to her social media to spread what Chameleone’s camp has labeled as “baseless falsehoods.”
According to Namukasa Chameleone had been arrested after reportedly assaulting a woman identified as Juliet Zwedde. The claims quickly gained traction online, fueled by Namukasa’s significant following online platforms like TikTok, where she is known for her bold and often provocative commentary.
Chameleone, a towering figure in East African music with a career spanning over two decades, swiftly refuted the accusations. On February 19, he issued a public warning to Namukasa via his social media channels, cautioning her to cease spreading rumors or face serious consequences. “I’ve stayed silent long enough, but lies have limits. Janie Namukasa, stop your falsehoods before they land you in trouble you can’t escape,” he reportedly stated, as captured by Pulse Uganda. Undeterred, Namukasa continued her narrative, prompting Chameleone to take the matter to court.
In the lawsuit, Chameleone asserts that Namukasa’s statements were not only fabricated but also maliciously designed to damage his personal and professional standing.
His legal team argues that the allegations of an arrest and assault are entirely unfounded, with no police records or official reports to substantiate them. The singer is seeking a public apology from Namukasa, to be published across her social media platforms and Radio 4, alongside the hefty financial compensation to address the harm inflicted on his brand.