Consultant disputes Chameleone’s Shs250m claim over stalled TV station

What the report says

A consultant who worked with Ugandan musician Joseph Mayanja, better known as Jose Chameleone, has rejected his allegation that Shs250 million meant for a planned television station was misused. In a statement dated November 10, the consultant said the Leone Island TV project was delayed because licensing conditions at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) were not fully met, especially proof of financial capacity to launch and run the station.

The dispute follows Chameleone’s remarks in a TikTok Live discussion with fellow musician Bruno K, where he accused the consultant, identified in reports as Isabirye, of taking the money without delivering a fully operational TV station. Chameleone said he had invested in the project in Makindye but was left with only a test signal and no broadcasting licence.

According to the consultant’s account, work on the project began after Chameleone approached him in 2020. He said the process advanced to the UCC stage, but could not be completed because required documentation and seed-capital proof were not provided. The consultant also disputed the Shs250 million figure, saying total spending was below Shs70 million and listing costs such as equipment, licensing fees, consultancy, and rent.

The statement says records, including receipts and deposit slips, exist to support the spending. It also argues that the project could still move forward if the remaining licensing requirements are satisfied. Sqoop Uganda reported that the competing accounts leave unresolved questions about the money spent and the status of the proposed station.