Consultant: Chameleone TV Project Failed UCC Financial Capacity Requirements

• Musician Chameleone's attempt to launch Leone Island TV in Uganda reportedly failed due to non-compliance with Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) financial capacity requirements.
• A consultant involved in the project disputes Chameleone's claim of investing Shs250 million, stating actual expenditure was under Shs70 million.
• The consultant provided a detailed breakdown of Shs66 million in expenses and claimed to possess receipts and bank deposit slips as proof.
• The primary reason cited for the project's stall was Chameleone's alleged failure to provide sufficient seed capital required for a Uganda Communications Commission broadcasting license.
• The dispute highlights the critical importance of meticulous documentation and adherence to Uganda TV licensing regulations for broadcasting ventures.

The consultant's statement clarifies that the primary impediment to the Leone Island TV project's launch was Chameleone's inability to satisfy the stringent requirements set forth by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

Musician Joseph Mayanja, widely recognized as Chameleone, recently explained his decision to establish a broadcasting venture in Burundi, citing the saturated radio market in Uganda. This explanation has brought renewed attention to his earlier, unsuccessful attempt to launch a television station in Kampala, known as Leone Island TV. The project's failure is now at the center of a public disagreement following a statement from a consultant who was instrumental in the preparatory stages of the proposed Ugandan TV station.

Chameleone had previously asserted that he invested a substantial Shs250 million into the Leone Island TV project, yet, according to him, the outcome was little more than a test signal. However, the consultant involved has publicly refuted this narrative. In a statement issued on November 10, 2026, titled "Why Chameleone's TV Failed to Take Off: Consultant's Response," the consultant presented a contrasting account of events, directly challenging the artist's claims regarding both the financial outlay and the reasons for the project's cessation.

The consultant's statement clarifies that the primary impediment to the Leone Island TV project's launch was Chameleone's inability to satisfy the stringent requirements set forth by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). Specifically, the consultant highlighted that the artist failed to provide adequate evidence of the necessary financial capacity, or seed capital, required to both establish and sustain the operations of a television station in Uganda. This critical regulatory hurdle, according to the consultant, was the fundamental reason the project could not proceed beyond the initial stages.

The consultant detailed their involvement, stating that Chameleone first approached them in 2020 to assist with setting up the station. Work progressed through various phases, reaching the crucial regulatory application stage with the UCC. The core issue, as articulated by the consultant, was the absence of verifiable proof of sufficient funds, a mandatory component for securing a Uganda Communications Commission broadcasting license under Uganda TV licensing regulations. This failure to meet the Leone Island TV financial capacity requirements ultimately derailed the entire Chameleone TV project UCC requirements process.

Beyond the regulatory issues, the consultant also contested Chameleone's claim of investing Shs250 million. The consultant asserted that the actual expenditure by the musician on the various project stages did not exceed Shs70 million. A detailed breakdown of costs was provided, indicating that Shs10 million was allocated for control room computers, Shs23 million covered UCC application and licensing fees, Shs12 million went towards consultancy fees for the application phase, Shs17 million was spent on hiring an encoder and decoder, and Shs4 million was used for renting studio and office space in Makindye. These itemized expenses collectively amount to Shs66 million.

To substantiate their account, the consultant stated that they possess receipts and bank deposit slips for all payments made, and copies of these financial records were routinely shared with Daniela Atim through weekly reports, as requested by Chameleone. The consultant further dismissed any suggestions that this matter had been referred to a commercial court, labeling such claims as inaccurate. They also challenged Chameleone to provide a full accounting for the Shs250 million he claimed to have invested, particularly if the funds originated from a government donation, implying a need for transparency in public funds. This Chameleone consultant dispute Uganda underscores the importance of meticulous record-keeping in such ventures.

The consultant underscored their team's proven track record by referencing the successful launch of Justine Nameere's television station (Nameere currently serves as the Minister of State for Local Government and Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka City), which they also facilitated. This project, according to the consultant, successfully went on air because the funding received was appropriately utilized, contrasting with the alleged financial shortcomings of the Leone Island TV project. While the statement did not explicitly name its author, industry observers, including Nile Post, believe the consultant in question is Dr. Joel Isabirye.

Dr. Isabirye is a highly respected media technocrat with extensive experience in establishing and developing numerous prominent radio and television stations across Uganda and beyond. His portfolio includes significant contributions to NBS Television, Next Radio, Uganda Catholic Television, Parliament Radio and Television, and Royal FM in Rwanda, alongside work with established stations like Capital FM, Beat FM, and Dembe FM. Given his expertise, it is plausible that Chameleone would have sought his technical and regulatory guidance for his foray into television. However, Dr. Isabirye has not officially confirmed to Nile Post his authorship of the statement or his direct involvement in the Leone TV project.

Lawyers advising clients on broadcasting license applications in Uganda must ensure meticulous adherence to the Uganda Communications Commission's (UCC) financial capacity requirements to prevent project delays or outright rejection, as demonstrated by the Chameleone case. This also highlights the importance of clear contractual terms and documentation between artists and consultants to mitigate disputes over project funding and deliverables.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post