TAKEAWAYS

• Ugandan superstar Dr. Jose Chameleone revealed he was scammed out of Shs250 million during a failed attempt to launch Leone Island TV.
• A man named Isabirye allegedly used a fake UCC test signal to trick the singer before shutting down the entire television project.
• Despite taking the case to the Commercial Court, Chameleone chose to forgive the scammer after being offered a meager Shs10 million settlement.

Ugandan music heavyweight Dr. Jose Chameleone has revealed how he lost Shs250 million in a deal that was supposed to see his television station, Leone Island TV, go on air.

The singer had previously announced plans to establish his own television station, but the project never materialised after someone he dearly trusted allegedly conned him out of the money.

Appearing on Bruno K’s Ekibozi Bozi show on TikTok, Chameleone revealed that he gave Shs250 million to a man he identified as Isabirye, although he declined to disclose his full details.

According to the Valu Valu singer, the man gave him a test signal from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), creating the impression that the television project was on course. However, when the test signal period expired, the station was switched off air.

“I gave this man Shs250 million, and I don’t know how he managed to dupe me,” Chameleone revealed.

The singer said he tried to pursue the matter and even reported the man to the Commercial Court. However, when the matter came up, the man reportedly told court that he only had Shs10 million to compensate him.

Chameleone further narrated that he asked the man whether he had children. After the man confirmed that he did, the singer told him to take the money and use it to look after his children rather than give it to him.

The Katupakase singer also revealed that he later consulted his father about the matter. His father advised him to let it go and accept that he had been conned, warning that continuing to pursue the case could take matters in a direction he would not want.

It remains unclear whether Chameleone will ever revive the Leone Island TV project.