Ugandan music legend Jose Chameleone is facing divorce. His wife of nearly two decades, Daniella Atim, has formally filed for divorce. What began as a fairy-tale romance that turned Chameleone’s ballads into real-life inspiration has now spilled into a very public courtroom drama.
Chameleone, born Joseph Mayanja, has built a career as one of Africa’s most decorated and flamboyant music exports.
Known for timeless hits such as Valu Valu, Dorotia, and Badilisha, he has long projected the image of a family man who balanced stardom with responsibility.
Daniella Atim, elegant and soft-spoken, was often seen as his grounding force, the quiet queen behind Uganda’s self-proclaimed music doctor.
But behind the glamour, court documents now reveal a marriage in steady decline. In her petition filed on March 20, 2025, Daniella accuses Chameleone of desertion for five years and emotional neglect.
According to her, the absence of companionship and communication caused her emotional distress and even mild depression.
In the petition,Daniella has requested:Full custody of their five children, Ownership of the family’s Sseguku home in Wakiso District, Child maintenance, alimony, and compensation for legal costs.
True to his fiery reputation, Chameleone has not taken the filing quietly. In his counter-petition, the 44-year-old star rejects accusations of desertion. He insists that while his career has kept him away frequently, he has consistently supported his family. He points to 2018, when he relocated Daniella and their children to the United States, bought them a home, and provided for their needs financially.
He further accuses Daniella of painting him unfairly on social media and alienating the children from him. In court, he opposed her alimony request, arguing that she is financially independent and employed in the U.S. He instead requested joint custody of the children and rejected her claim over the Sseguku property, insisting it remain a family home.
In August 2025, the couple appeared before acting Principal Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga for mediation. Hopes that the two might quietly settle the matter out of the public eye quickly faded. The session ended without resolution, meaning the case is headed for a full hearing.
The breakdown of mediation underscores how deeply entrenched the differences have become. With both parties refusing to back down, the legal battle now promises to be as dramatic as any of Chameleone’s music videos.
Chameleone, with his busy tour schedule, controversial lifestyle, and history of public disputes, was never far from speculation about the strain on his marriage. Daniella, meanwhile, has embraced a quieter life abroad, even launching a YouTube channel, “Diary of a Retired Wife,” where she reflects on her journey and offers guidance to other women.
As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on how the court balances the interests of both parties. Daniella’s focus is clearly on securing a stable environment for her children, while Chameleone is fighting to preserve his legacy as both a father and provider.