A consultant hired to help musician Joseph Mayanja, popularly known as Chameleone, set up his television station has dismissed claims that he was paid UGX 250 million and only delivered a test signal. In a statement dated Tuesday, 10th November 2026, the consultant says the singer's claims are false and that the project stalled for a different reason - failure to meet Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) requirements.
According to the consultant, Chameleone approached them in 2020 to help him start a TV station. They carried out the preparatory work until the project reached the UCC stage. The consultant reveals that the real reason the TV station never went on air was that Chameleone did not meet the requirements UCC asked for, particularly proof of seed capital — financial capacity to start and operate a television station.
The consultant strongly denies receiving UGX 250 million. "There was no 250M received anywhere by the consultant. Chameleone did not spend more than 70M on the different stages until where he stopped," the statement says. The consultant then gives a breakdown of the expenditure: UGX 10M — Control room computers, UGX 23M — Application and license fees to UCC, UGX 12M — Consultancy fees for application phase, UGX 17M — Rented encoder and decoder, and UGX 4M — Rent for a studio and office in Makindye.
The consultant says they have records, including receipts and deposit slips, for all payments made, copies of which were availed to Daniela Atim in weekly reports upon his request. The statement goes on to challenge Chameleone to account for the money he claims to have spent. "If he got 250M money from somewhere and he needs to account, he should not tell lies about consultants. He must fully account," the consultant says.
The consultant also cites the example of singer Justin Nameere, whose TV station successfully went on air after they handled it. "We also handled Justin Nameere's TV and it came on air. When she received funding she used it appropriately. That is why she gained the trust of the donor. Chameleone should have done the same," the statement concludes.
The consultant claims to have evidence from UCC, stating that if Chameleone can prove to UCC today and meet the other requirements, UCC can grant him the license. The consultant's statement challenges Chameleone's previous claims, raising questions about the musician's use of funds and his understanding of the TV station setup process.
The dispute between Chameleone and the consultant raises concerns about the musician's ability to manage and fund his own projects. The consultant's denial of receiving UGX 250 million and Chameleone's claims of being misled have sparked debate among fans and industry stakeholders.
Key points
- Consultant disputes Chameleone's claims of receiving UGX 250 million for Leone TV setup.
- Consultant cites UCC requirements as reason for Leone TV's failure to launch.
- Consultant challenges Chameleone to account for claimed expenditure.
