It was jubilation and crazy dance in Nsambya and other parts of the city as singer Joseph Mayanja commonly known as Dr. Jose Chameleon and his brother Pallaso were given a heroic welcome to the Democratic Party, DP on Thursday.
The colourful ceremony which took place at Nsambya Sharing Hall, was a mixture of entertainment from hundreds of supporters.
The duo accompanied by their mother , Proscovia Namirimu Mayanja and other brother, Weasle, arrived at about 2pm, only to be crowded by supporters and party members in ululation.
Earlier, there was slight fear that the function would be disrupted by the police heavy deployment as a number of men in uniform were seen moving around the venue.
Earlier on, Chameleon and his supporters were engaged in a scuffle with anti-riot police and LDUs around Joint Medical Stores (JMS) in Nsambya after he attempted to forcefully use another route he was not allowed to use.
However, he managed to run out of his vehicle and jumped on a boda-boda; but in the process, his trouser got torn. Chameleon arrived at the venue dressed in a black suit and a round red cap for “People Power” accompanied by his two brothers Weasle and Pallaso and other fans chanting people power slogans.
It’s thought though that Chameleone’s decision to come on a boda boda was so he could dodge the men in uniform, although others have looked at it as a way of connecting with ‘’Omuntu Wa wansi ‘’ loosely translated into ‘’the common man’’ as he prepares for the mayoral seat come 2021.
The colorful ceremony, which took place at Nsambya Sharing Hall, was a mixture of entertainment from Chameleon’s brothers Pallaso and Weasel (Douglas Mayanja), Spice Diana and other members Chameleon’s Leon Island.
Why Is Chameleone Joining DP?
It’s important to remember that, in the 2016 general elections, Chameleon was a big supporter of President Yoweri Museveni. He became very popular together with fellow artiste and longtime friend, Moses Ssali following there project dubbed “Tugenda Nawe” where they composed a song praising President Museveni.
However, Chameleon who declared his intention to stand for Kampala mayoral seat in 2021 on the DP ticket under the DP bloc alliance surprised the gathering when he trashed claims that he was a supporter of NRM and President Museveni. “I have never been a supporter to NRM. I just went there to do business like those who print t-shirts and posters. I am sorry for having gone there,” he said while kneeling down on his knees.
The Lord Mayor race has attracted a number of contestants including former security minister Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Latif Ssebagala(MP Kawempe North), Godfrey Nyakana (former LC3 Kampala Central), the incumbent Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago,among others but, Fellow singer, Spice Diana, is optimistic that Chameleone will come with a strong force of change.
The alliance brings together the People Power political pressure group, Social Development Party (SDP), Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Peoples’ Development Party (PDP), and DP.
The bloc focuses on fronting one candidate at each level in 2021 general elections.
Chameleon was initiated by the party president Norbert Mao and party’s secretary general Dr. Gerald Siranda among other party executive officials.
His mother Namirimu said they are ready to continue serving DP.
The Question however remains, how strong will Chameleone be against lawyer Lukwago(who has since remained tight-lipped on the matter) much as he is a force to reckon with in the music industry(It’s no doubt he’s the best in the country) ?
Chameleon was given a party card no. 0011650 and a certificate for joining the party, which he bought at sh2000/=.
While handing over the card, Mao announced Chameleon as the national party chief mobilizer of the party, attracting applause from the congregation.
“From today, I appoint you as the chief mobilizer of our party and you should start your work immediately. We are going to hand you over the instruments of power,” he said.
Mao asked members to avoid discouraging rumors every time they get new members joining the party from other parties , especially NRM.
Mike Mabikke, a member of the DP bloc alliance, asked members to embrace those who come from the NRM camp. “We even realized that those from NRM do a tremendous job for us like Col. Kizza Besigye, Betty Nambooze, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, and Erias Lukwago among others. They have done a lot in the struggle,” he added.
