Jose Chameleone: I’ll quit music the day Museveni leaves power

• Chameleone ties his retirement plans to President Museveni leaving power.
• He says his music career belongs to the current political era.
• The Leone Island boss vows to remain active in the industry for now.

Legendary Ugandan artist Jose Chameleone has revealed the moment he plans to step away from music — and it is tied to politics.

Chameleone, born Joseph Mayanja, has dominated the music scene in Uganda, East Africa and across the continent for more than two decades. The Leone Island boss, now in his mid-40s, has built a celebrated career marked by countless hit songs and sold-out performances.

Speaking during a recent interview, the singer was asked why he doesn’t slow down musically and venture more into other businesses. In response, Chameleone said his music journey is aligned with the current political era under Yoweri Museveni.

“I belong to Museveni’s era. Many of us grew and thrived during his leadership, and that season defines our generation,” Chameleone said.

He added that his exit from music will only come when President Museveni leaves office.

“The day President Museveni leaves power — whether by resignation or any other means — that is the day I will also hang up my microphone. As long as he is still ruling, I am not going anywhere,” he declared.

Chameleone is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his time, consistently releasing chart-topping songs and maintaining relevance in a competitive industry. From his early breakthrough hits to his recent projects, he has remained a dominant force in Ugandan entertainment.

With his firm stance, the singer has made it clear that fans hoping for his retirement may have to wait a little longer.