For the past two days, there has been a rumour going on on social media that singer Jackie Chandiru had passed on. No one had come out to confirm if she is really dead or still alive not until this afternoon (Monday) when events guru Balaam Barugahare posted a 3 minute video of him sitting next to a weak looking Jackie Chandiru.
In the video, she didn’t speak a word though she tried to force a smile and also rest her ‘paralyzed’ hand on her right thigh. Barugahare thanked a lady only identified as Ruth from Recovery Solution Treatment and Counselling Centre. According to Barugahare, Ruth has been with Jackie for one year and seven months when everyone gave up on her and up to now, she is staying with her at her home.
Barugahare has started a campaign to help Jackie saying that a bill ranging from Shs1.8 million to 2.5 million is what is required every month to visit a doctor and a counsellor. The money will be collected and received by singer Pastor Wilson Bugembe.
A week ago, it was said that Jackie condition was worsening so she was moved from the hospital to rehab but according to sources close to her, she is staying at one of the volunteer’s home and not in a rehabilitation centre since the money is not available for her treatment.
Chandiru disappeared from the music scene about three years ago and was in rehabilitation because of drug addiction. She surfaced on the scene on scene early year at King Saha’s Biri Biri Concert. It was before the show that she talked to the media and said she was back to reclaim her spot as one of the best female singer and stage performer in Uganda.
It was however not the case, she was never strong as she kept on being on and off when she again collapsed at Makerere University Business School while speaking at the Anti-Drug Use Campaign. Two months later, she gained some energy and performed at the Awilo Longomba concert that was taken to Arua in April this year and this was proof that she was back and full of energy to perform again.
It took Ugandans by surprise a few months ago when news that Chandiru was admitted at Naguru Hospital and was in a terrible condition with many fearing that she might die anytime soon. Chandiru has battled drug addiction to the point that she now needs support from family funs and fellow artistes to get back on her feet.
