Ugandan music legend Jose Chameleone, real name Joseph Mayanja, and his wife Daniella Atim have reached the end of the road after nearly two decades together. Their union, once hailed as one of Uganda’s most admired celebrity marriages, has now dissolved in court after Daniella filed for divorce earlier this year.
The two tied the knot on June 7, 2008, in a glamorous wedding that symbolized stability for an artiste whose life was already full of controversy. Together they raised five children, and for years Daniella was regarded as the steadying force behind Chameleone’s chaotic career. But behind the cameras and stage lights, the marriage was fraying. Daniella has revealed that she endured long periods of neglect, battled depression, and for over five years had to raise the children almost single-handedly while her husband pursued his career.
In her petition, Daniella asked the court to grant her full custody of the children, financial support, and ownership of the family home in Seguku, a property that has long been tied to the couple’s marital identity. She also demanded that Chameleone shoulder the costs of the proceedings. Her argument is rooted in claims that she bore the bulk of responsibility during his absence and deserves both recognition and compensation for it.
Chameleone, however, has resisted some of these demands. While pledging to continue supporting his children, he insists the Seguku home should remain in the children’s name, rather than being transferred to Daniella alone. He also accuses her of attempting to alienate the children from him, insisting he deserves access and involvement in their lives. Defending himself, the singer pointed to 2018 when, according to him, both parties mutually agreed to relocate the family to the United States. He also maintains that he personally purchased the Seguku residence and believes that since both parents are financially capable, responsibility for the children should not rest on him alone.
Their separation has only amplified the public’s fascination with their marriage, which has been filled with highs, lows, and very public disagreements. In recent years, Daniella abandoned her previously quiet lifestyle and took to Instagram where she openly criticized Chameleone’s behavior. Her lengthy posts accused him of emotional neglect and painted a picture of a woman who had reached her breaking point. Fans debated her revelations, with some applauding her honesty while others defended the star who has built a reputation for both musical brilliance and controversy.
The family drama has not been confined to the couple alone. Their son Abba Marcus recently stirred online chatter after a clip of him went viral, in which he boldly questioned his father’s authority with the now-popular line: “Omukulu tasobya… who said!?” The phrase quickly became a talking point, symbolizing the generational friction in celebrity families and how the struggles of high-profile parents inevitably spill over to their children.
Chameleone’s personal life has long been inseparable from his public image. Over the years, he has been caught in fistfights, public altercations, and political controversies that kept his name in headlines even when he was not releasing music. While fans always hoped Daniella’s calm presence would tame the turbulence, her recent decision confirms that the cracks in their marriage ran deeper than most imagined.
For a couple once celebrated as a symbol of love and endurance in Ugandan showbiz, the announcement feels like the closing of a chapter. The divorce proceedings are ongoing, and while both remain committed to their children, the official split signals the end of one of Uganda’s most talked-about celebrity unions.
