Jose Chameleone’s US treatment now facilitated by President Museveni
By Rajab ZawadiPresident Yoweri Museveni’s government has taken responsibility for facilitating Ugandan music icon Joseph Mayanja, alias Jose Chameleone, treatment abroad from flamboyant socialite, singer, and businesswoman Juliet Zawedee.
The legend, who began his music career in Nairobi as part of Ogopa Records Artiste, was last week flown to Boston, USA for specialized treatment for what is reported to be acute pancreatitis.
Doctors in Uganda diagnosed the singer’s pancreas as inflamed and in need of major surgery.
His illness was made public by his eldest son, Abba Marcus, who revealed that his father was suffering from acute pancreatitis. The condition can be caused by long-term alcohol consumption.
Amidst criticism, Marcus revealed that his father had been an alcoholic for many years and even claimed that he had ignored the doctor’s advice to stop drinking.
Several Ugandan entertainment websites reported that Chameleone’s longtime friend, US-based singer Juliet Zawedde, had offered to pay for his medical bills and other expenses related to his treatment.
Ms Zawedde bought one business class ticket costing $6,000 for Chameleone and and another at $2,000 for his younger brother, singer Weasel, who accompanied him to the US.
The flamboyant Juliet, who has released three albums and has over 4.5 million followers on Instagram, burst into Uganda’s limelight in 2019 after trending for her lavish lifestyle.
Conflicting reports later emerged between Zawedde and the Ugandan government over who should foot the bill for Chameleoné’s treatment and travel, with those in favor of the government arguing that the singer is a national figure who should be given due honor and therefore the government should be the one to finalize the matter. Big Eye Uganda reported.
However, it has now been confirmed that President Yoweri Museveni’s government has taken over the case and will now cover all his medical and other related costs.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr Balaam Barugahara, who is also a music and events promoter, confirmed the news.
“The President wants Chameleone to live longer and continue to contribute to the entertainment industry and that is why the government has stepped in to enable him to get expert treatment,” Dr Balaam told journalists.
Chameleone has been in and out of hospital for several years but his condition deteriorated earlier this month when he was rushed to Nakasero Hospital in a critical condition.