Why Karamojong elders have cursed Jose Chameleone

Why Karamojong elders have cursed Jose Chameleone

A group of Karamojong elders from Rupa Sub County in Moroto district, Uganda have reportedly cursed the country’s music bigwig Jose Chameleone after he failed to deliver on the promises he made to them.

The elders claim Chameleone pledged to construct boreholes and pit latrines in the area after they accepted on July, 2014 to feature in his Wale Wale video; but when it came to delivery, he disappointed.

“Was he also sent by those who have made us their financial source?” Mze Peter Lokol posed as quoted by Daily Monitor.

He said they were even mobilized to go and witness the launch of the album at Kampala Serena Hotel where Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, was the chief guest.

According to the aggrieved group, the theme of the glamorous launch was to raise money for constructing boreholes in Karamoja. However, nothing has been done yet.

“Could it be that the gentleman sent the money but it landed into the hands of wrong people?” wondered Ms Joice Angolere.

Ms Angolere offered her house as changing room for Chameleone’s dancing crew during the video shoot.

However not all elders are suspicious of Chameleone’s bid to help.

Mathew Lokwang called for investigations into the matter saying Chameleone could have sent the money but some “vultures” swindled it.

Mr Lokwang warned any person soliciting money for his personal gain using Karamojong will one day pay – a statement which many have interpreted as a curse.

“Some time back we were again told there was a television soliciting money using the Karamojong pictures in Kampala claim to be fundraising for us but nothing came out of it,” he added.

The elders have also vowed never to be photographed by individuals unfamiliar to them saying those are the people using their images for commercial benefits.

The district leaders have also declined to comment on the issues.

Jose Chameleone is yet to respond to the claims by Karamojong elders as is he is reportedly out of the country.

Fundraising for Karamoja

While attending conference for the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) in Eastern Africa which was held at Speke resort Munyonyo in December 2014, Chameleone  committed to the Karamoja borehole project while on stage.

“I am Ugandan and proud, so I take this opportunity to invite you all for my concert next month whose proceeds will aid the construction of boreholes and pit latrines in Karamoja region,” said Chameleone.

In response to Chameloene’s invite to be chief guest at the fundraiser, First lady and Minister for Karamoja affairs Ms Janet Museveni hinted that her decision to accept invitation was because the concert was themed at improving the lives of Karamoja people.

“I would also like to inform you that she (Janet Museveni) has accepted to be present at this concert which is in part intended to raise support for the improvement of people’s lives in Karamoja,” Ms Museveni’s office wrote on December 1, as quoted by Daily Monitor.

During the 18th December 2014 concert, Mrs Museveni hailed Chameleone for exhibiting a spirit of caring for other people.

“This is not a normal practice for the young people in today’s world who usually only think about themselves and their needs”, observed the First Lady.

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