Uganda’ government has proposed 6% tax on performance fees for musicians, comedians, actors and all public performers as form of raising revenue.
The measure is contained in the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, tabled in Parliament this week by State Minister for Finance Henry Musasizi.
If urgently passed, the tax will take effect in July 2026, marking a major shift in how artists’ earnings are tracked—and taxed by government.
The Ugandan music industry is vibrant ,rapidly evolving sector ranked 3rd in Africa for entertainment marked by a shift from traditional Kadongo Kamu to Afrobeats, dancehall, and globalized sounds. However It faces challenges with quality control, political polarization, and revenue, but is growing via digital streaming (Spotify, Apple Music) and artist-led organizations like the Uganda National Musician Federation.
How the tax will hit
Under the proposal:Event promoters will deduct 6% from every Ugandan performer’s agreed fee and the money goes directly to Uganda Revenue Authority and Artists walk away with 94% of their pay
Mean while Foreign performers won’t be spared either—they face a steeper 15% withholding tax.
“When you are doing your concerts or shows… we want to take 6% of that income because you are earning.”Musasizi stated.
For years, entertainers were supposed to declare and pay income tax, but enforcement has been patchy in a sector dominated by cash deals, under-the-table payments and weak record-keeping.
Now, government is flipping the script—forcing compliance at the point of payment.
The entertainment industry has exploded—sold-out concerts, big endorsement deals, and rising gate collections—but tax returns from the sector have remained suspiciously thin.
By dragging promoters into the process, government aims to reduce revenue leaks,formalise the creative economy and force high-earning artists into the tax bracket
The move also comes hot on the heels of reforms aimed at strengthening royalty collection for musicians, signaling a broader push to regulate the industry.
Public Opinion
Supporters of the proposal say it’s long overdue—top artists have been “eating big” while dodging taxes
However hardliners argue 6% is too soft, pushing for 10–20% but critics warn it could suffocate upcoming artists struggling with small gigs and high production costs.
What next?
If passed Promoters who fail to deduct the tax will face penalties and Artists can claim the 6% as a tax credit when filing annual returns—meaning it’s not double taxation, just early collection
