Ugandan music legend Jose Chameleone recently addressed concerns surrounding a public dispute involving his son, Abba Marcus, who made startling claims about his father’s health late last year.
In December, Abba shared several alarming statements on social media regarding his father’s condition, sparking widespread speculation. At the time, Chameleone had traveled to the United States for medical treatment. Recently, while visiting fellow musician Professor Jay in Tanzania, Chameleone spoke out, downplaying his son’s remarks and attributing them to youthful misunderstanding.
According to Chameleone, Abba’s comments were driven by a lack of awareness about adult challenges. He shared that after the public statements, he and his son had a heartfelt conversation where he explained that illness is never a choice. “No one chooses to get sick,” he said, emphasizing that health struggles are often beyond one’s control. Despite the hurtful nature of the comments, Chameleone expressed understanding, acknowledging that Abba’s outburst may have stemmed from genuine concern. He stressed that the matter remains a family issue, one that he prefers not to discuss further in public.
The social media posts from Abba included bold claims, suggesting that his father’s health was critically compromised and linked to lifestyle choices. He went as far as to claim that his father had only two years to live if certain habits were not changed. The remarks were deeply personal, citing issues like alcohol consumption as a primary concern, and the emotional strain was evident in his statements.
Chameleone has since provided clarity on his health, confirming that he was diagnosed with pancreatitis, a condition that led to a lengthy stay in a medical facility in the United States. He explained that his condition evolved from pancreatitis to acute pancreatitis, which required ongoing treatment. The musician shared that while lifestyle factors like alcohol use, smoking, lack of sleep, and stress can contribute to the illness, his doctors did not explicitly attribute his condition to these habits. He emphasized that the primary focus was on managing his health through proper medical intervention, which included surgeries and continued medication. He expects his treatment to last for at least another year.
Despite the tension caused by Abba’s social media revelations, Chameleone remains focused on his recovery and is optimistic about resuming his musical activities. He acknowledged that health challenges are part of life and expressed gratitude for the medical care he received, which has enabled him to continue pursuing his career.
The incident highlighted the strain that health issues can place on family relationships, especially when private matters become public. However, Chameleone’s perspective reflects a willingness to move forward, focusing on recovery and reconciliation. His visit to Professor Jay also underscores his support for others facing health struggles, demonstrating solidarity within the music community.
Chameleone’s response to his son’s claims shows a commitment to healing—not only physically but also within his family. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding, compassion, and resilience in the face of personal and familial challenges.
