The long-standing marriage between celebrated Ugandan musician Joseph Mayanja, popularly known as Jose Chameleone, and his wife Daniella Atim, has officially reached the courts after Atim filed for divorce.
In a petition lodged on March 20, 2025, before the Family Division of the High Court in Kampala, Atim accused the singer of deserting her for five years, saying his absence and lack of support left her emotionally distressed and mildly depressed.
She argued that Chameleone’s failure to show love, compassion, and empathy had torn their marriage apart, leaving no chance of reconciliation. This is not her first attempt back in April 2023, Atim issued a divorce notice citing cruelty and infidelity.
Court records show the couple, both Roman Catholics, were married on June 7, 2008, at St. James Catholic Parish Bbiina-Mutungo in Kampala, before settling in Sseguku, Wakiso District. They have five children: Abba (19), Alfa (16), Alba (13), Amma (11), and Xara (6).
In her latest petition, Atim asked the court to dissolve the marriage, grant her custody of the children, and award her ownership of the family’s Sseguku home, along with child maintenance, alimony, and legal costs.
Chameleone, however, disputes her claims. He admitted his music career often kept him away but denied abandoning his family. He explained that in 2018, the couple agreed to relocate their young family to the United States, where he bought a home for them. According to him, problems began when Atim allegedly grew distant and intolerant.
The musician accused Atim of airing private disputes on social media, causing him psychological distress and even hospital admissions. He further argued that she has turned some of the children against him, though he insists he has always supported his family.
Chameleone asked court to dismiss the petition, opposed Atim’s request for alimony on grounds that she is gainfully employed in the US, and instead sought joint custody of the children, with both parents contributing to their upbringing. While agreeing that the marriage should be dissolved, he requested that the Sseguku home be preserved as a family property for the children whenever they are in Uganda.
On Monday, the estranged couple appeared before acting Principal Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga for mediation. Atim was represented by lawyer Emmanuel Wamimbi, while Chameleone was accompanied by his counsel Roberts Friday Kagoro.
The mediation ended without resolution, leaving the next steps of the high-profile case to be determined by the court.
