Amsterdam Club Cancels Jose Chameleone’s Concert Amid Protests Over Uganda Murder Allegations

Amsterdam, Netherlands – The highly anticipated concert of Ugandan music star Joseph Mayanja, popularly known as Jose Chameleone, was abruptly canceled following protests led by Ugandan activists in the diaspora. The cancellation comes amid renewed calls for justice in a decade-old murder case involving the artist, sparking public outrage and dividing opinions within Ugandan communities abroad.

Chameleone, who was scheduled to perform at the “Tugende Mu Kikadde” event, faced resistance from activists aligned with the National Unity Platform (NUP), including Dr. Nico, who led a protest against his appearance in Amsterdam. The protesters argued that Chameleone’s presence in Europe would be an affront to human rights, given his alleged involvement in the 2012 death of Robert Karamagi. The protesters, brandishing signs and chanting slogans, denounced Chameleone’s association with Uganda’s long-standing President, Yoweri Museveni, labeling him as a beneficiary of the regime’s support.

Background on the Karamagi Case

The controversy surrounding Chameleone dates back to December 26, 2012, when 27-year-old Karamagi was found severely burned at the musician’s residence in Seguku, a Kampala suburb. Karamagi later succumbed to his injuries at Mulago Hospital, alleging in his final statements that he had been tied, doused with aviation fuel, and set ablaze by Chameleone himself. The musician, however, has consistently denied these allegations, claiming that Karamagi was a thief who set himself on fire after being apprehended. Chameleone’s wife, Daniella Atim, allegedly gave contradictory statements, adding to the case’s complexity.

The family of the deceased has continuously demanded justice, urging the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Uganda to reopen investigations. Maj. Benedicto Kyamanywa, Karamagi’s father, recently renewed calls for justice, petitioning the DPP to reexamine the case and include new witness testimonies.

Chameleone’s close ties to the Museveni government have drawn criticism from opposition activists who view his music career and public appearances as symbols of complicity with a regime accused of suppressing political freedoms. Many Ugandans in the diaspora see Chameleone as an example of artists who have “sold out” to the government in exchange for financial gain, further fueling their calls for accountability.

In a statement, protest leaders emphasized, “The world should know about the atrocities committed by those who support the dictatorship in Uganda. We will not allow someone with unresolved murder allegations to entertain us while families mourn for justice.”

Following the protests, Amsterdam authorities canceled Chameleone’s show, underscoring the city’s commitment to human rights and community concerns. This decision was lauded by many Ugandan activists who took to social media to celebrate what they viewed as a victory in their quest for justice and accountability.

The Netherlands chapter of the National Unity Platform praised the decision, stating, “This cancellation sends a strong message: human rights and justice cannot be compromised for entertainment. We stand with the Karamagi family in their pursuit of justice.”

The artist has yet to release an official statement following the concert cancellation. However, his team previously denied any involvement in Karamagi’s death and expressed frustration over “continued harassment and defamation.” Chameleone has also maintained that he is innocent, blaming opposition figures for using the incident to tarnish his reputation.

Karamagi’s family, through their lawyers, has petitioned the DPP multiple times over the years, requesting the reopening of the case. They argue that the previous investigation was mishandled, with crucial evidence overlooked or suppressed. In response, former DPP Mike Chibita acknowledged potential errors in closing the case and agreed to review new evidence.

The cancellation of Chameleone’s Amsterdam concert has ignited a broader conversation within Ugandan communities globally, questioning the intersection of entertainment, justice, and political allegiance. As the Karamagi family continues their fight for justice, this case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Ugandans seeking accountability for alleged abuses connected to powerful figures within the country.

The situation remains complex, but the message from the protestors is clear: no one should be above the law, and justice delayed is justice denied.