Chameleone sworn in as member of Uganda National Cultural Centre board of trustees

Singer Jose Chameleone aka Joseph Mayanja was sworn in as a member of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) board of trustees at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in Kampala on Tuesday, June 24, 2024.

He had been scheduled to take his oath on Friday, April 5, 2024, alongside musician Moses Ssali, known as Bebe Cool, who missed the event due to awaiting payment he had not received. 

Chameleone joins other recently approved members of the UNCC board of trustees who were also sworn in at the ministry.  Prof. Okaka Opio as chairperson, singer Phina Mugerwa as vice-chairperson, Lillian Mbabazi and Moses Ssali, as well as comedian Hannington Bugingo, Dr. Richard Komakech and  Juliana Naumo.  The new board will serve for the next three years. 

In February 2024, UNCC appointed new members to its board of trustees, with the names being more familiar to the art community compared to previous appointments.

The key role of the new board of trustees will be to ensure that artistes across the country, not just in Kampala, are organised. 

Music analysts believe it is important for artistes to be at the helm of UNCC because they understand the challenges faced by artistes better than anyone else.

According to the ministry, the new board of trustees for UNCC reflects the cultural heritage and the demographic landscape, with the majority being young people.  

In a phone interview on June 25, 2024, Chameleone promised to work hard and protect the institution, stating that he will never stray from his oath. He emphasised his commitment to exerting substantial effort for the betterment of the UNCC. 

“I was born a leader. I am talented in leadership and I am good leader by God’s grace, I have managed a lot of successful teams as their leader. Leone island is Uganda’s leading music empire. It's successful, so I am sure I am in the right position. I will apply my music experience in this new given position for success. I will make sure that I am always available to execute my duties. Good enough I was given a good team of musicians to work with who also know well the industry, so artistes should not fear anything. We, the grandfathers, are ready to lead them to the right direction which will make them reach their goals. They are lucky they have found things are simple compared to our generation where we worked without any help and we managed to break through and we are successful artistes," Chameleone said.

We also talked to culture state minister Peace Mutuuzo immediately after the swearing-in on June 24, 2024.

"Mr. Mayanja has joined the rest of the members of the new board, which consists of prominent figures in the arts and culture. We have no doubt that each member will bring a unique set of skills and experiences that will contribute to the success of the Uganda National Cultural Centre in fostering cultural exchange and artistic expression. As the ministry, we recognise the critical role of the Uganda National Cultural Centre in promoting diverse cultural heritage. The new board is expected to provide strategic policy direction for the cultural sector, support artistes' contributions to national development, and strengthen governance within the cultural community. We hope that the board of trustees will build upon the success achieved by the outgoing board, including plans to establish theatres and cultural centres in various regions, promote and develop cultural and artistic activities, and accommodate societies, groups, and organisations with cultural, artistic, philanthropic, or educational purposes," she said.