Entertainment pundits last year predicted Joseph Mayanja wouldn’t contest for Kampala Lord Mayor after he announced his bid.
For reasons only known to them, they considered Mr. Mayanja as very “unserious” and “inconsistent” human being who never stands by his word.
These analysts mostly journalists who have associated with Mayanja- (better known by his stage name Jose Chameleone) for a long period of time referred to him as a populist who rides on trivialities to earn cheap attention.
They went ahead to predict that Chameleone would sooner than later bow out of the race and abandon politics on its entirety simply because he is a very impatient man who would never engage in an activity in which he doesn’t earn.
Others said Chameleone had been pressed to enter politics to balance the equation since his two long time music associates Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine and Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool- all considered legends of Uganda’s music industry had made a breakthrough in the political arena of the country despite belonging to different affiliations.
In fact, when Democratic Party (DP) unveiled him at Sharing Hall Nsambya and tasked him as the party’s head of mobilization across the country, a section of the public wondered what mistake DP had made.
Not Interested
The prophecy of these analysts has come to pass as Chameleone confirmed to this website that he will not be standing for Mayor neither does he have an interest in politics.
Like what had been said earlier of him, Mr. Mayanja said politics requires a huge sacrifice, time and a very friendly character for one to thrive.
His argument is when you are a politician you must associate with all classes of Ugandans as a means of soliciting for a vote.
“I don’t like familiarity. That is not my character,” said Chameleone in his hoarse voice.
“To be a successful politician you must greet all people everywhere you reach. And I am tired. I will not be doing that stupidity again,” he narrated.
“I will not stand for Mayor as DP candidate,” he unleashed his secret.
Chameleone has for the last three years had a nose-diving music career and many Ugandans thought he had settled for politics.
Mao Speaks
DP president general Norbert Mao said as to whether Chameleone is interested in the party’s flag as Kampala Mayor candidate will be decided when the party invites applicants to submit their names.
“For now we are not in a debate on whether Chameleone will stand or not,” said Mao. He added that after all the musician is still new in the party and has a lot to learn on the job.
“So we are not expecting a lot from him.”
Asked if Mr. Mayanja has told him about his intentions of not contesting or even quitting politics Mao said, “Not everyone who shakes his head is a dancer. The real dancers will be known when the party invites applications.”