Veteran musician Jose Chameleone found himself at the centre of a political-entertainment crossover after publicly stating that supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) are not welcome at his concerts.
The declaration, made amid recent clashes with some party supporters, drew strong reactions from both fans and critics. Chameleone argued that his broad East African fan base is sufficient and that he prefers shows free from political tension, insisting his focus remains on entertaining audiences who come for the music.
The statement quickly divided opinions online, with some praising his stance on separating art from politics while others accused him of alienating a significant portion of his local supporters. A political commentator observed: "Chameleone has always been outspoken. This move highlights how intertwined entertainment and politics have become in Uganda."
Fellow artistes largely stayed neutral, though some privately expressed concern about the growing politicisation of live performances. Promoters monitoring ticket sales say the controversy generated massive publicity, even if mixed.