Chameleone clears sh137m tax bill, repossesses car

The Anti-Corruption Court has closed the file in which musician Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone was required to appear in court to answer charges related to sh137m tax evasion.

When the case came up for plea taking, on Monday, thestate prosecutor led by Praff Pridah informed the court presided over by Chief Magistrate Pamela Lamunu that the accused person paid the money andhe has since repossessed his car.

"Your worship I pray the file be closed since the accused has cleared his import tax duty for the vehicle," she requested. This prompted Lamunu to close the file.

The singer was battling two counts of being in possession of unaccustomed goods and failure to produce documents when required to in line with the East African Community Customs Management Act of 2004. 

The prosecution had alleged that on April 12, this year, URA custom officials found Chameleone in possession of a vehicle Toyota Land Cruiser V8, model GRJ 200 registration number SSD499B along Wakaliga-Bulange Mengo. 

It was further alleged that Chameleone was requested to avail the team with documentation regarding the legal status of the vehicle in vain.

Chameleone has expressed intention to run for the Kampala Lord Mayor seat in the 2021 general election.

Who is Chameleon?

Born on April 30 April 1979, Chameleone is a celebrated Uganda's afro-beat artist. Chameleon's career began at a young age in 1996 as a DJ at the Missouri nightclub in Kampala.

He was later signed to the Kenyan record label Ogopa DJs where he broke through with his first single, 'Bageya' that featured Kenyan artist Redsan. Chameleone's musical style is a combination of Ugandan music, central African rumba zouk, and reggae.

 Chameleone is married to Daniella Atim Mayanja. The couple has five children.