Police in Uganda have now turned to singer Joseph Mayanja, alias Chameleone, stopping his concerts just like his fellow artiste cum politician, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine.
In a new development, the singer’s concerts which were scheduled for Mutukula and Kalisizo have been stopped in what Chameleone’s manager, Robert Nkuke Mutima claims is ‘political persecution’.
Mutima claims that the DPC for Kyotera District called him and said they had ‘orders from above’ to stop Jose Chameleone’s shows in the area.
“We had a show in Kalisizo too, but we have been told there are orders from above to stop us. We had fulfilled all the requirements. This is strictly politics. We have lost over Shs100m.”
Masaka regional police spokesperson, Paul Kangave confirmed that Chameleone’s concerts were cancelled but ruled out political foul play.
“It is true his concerts have been stopped, but this is because he has not obtained security clearance. We can’t allow concerts here unless he has clearance. The singer and his management know the procedure and should follow it,” Kangave said.
Chameleone now joins fellow singer Bobi Wine who claims has had over 164 concerts blocked. Through his lawyers of Rwakafuuzi & Co. Advocates, Bobi Wine took police and government to court seeking for Shs300 million in compensation for cancelled concerts in Mukono, Kamuli, Kasese and Kampala.
In the case, Bobi claimed that police acted illegal when they restricted his movements within the country and stopped his various shows adding that his rights to work and earn a living had been violated.
However, Justice Herrieta Woloyo dismissed the case saying there was no evidence to prove how the banned music shows violated his rights to work, freedom of assembly, association and speech among other freedoms.
Chameleone recently expressed interest to vie for the position of the Kampala Lord Mayor. He consequently subscribed to the Democratic Party and People Power wing in preparations to launch his political manifesto.