Uganda musicians are excited with the new copyright management system approval.
They anticipate the initiative to improve professionalism and financial security for Uganda’s creative industry.
President Museveni endorsed a Copyright Management System aimed at ensuring musicians in Uganda earn from their work through digital tracking of music usage.
The initiative, developed by State House scientists, is expected to revolutionise the creative industry by curbing music piracy and guaranteeing artists’ financial stability.
In a high level meeting atbthe Presidents country home in Rwakitura with government officials and musicians, including Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) president Eddy Kenzo, Museveni said technology was important in protecting artists’ rights.
“Now technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where. The new system will also register musicians’ works and track their usage in bars, TV stations, and radio stations.
Businesses playing Ugandan music will be required to install licensed devices that record play counts, ensuring that artists are compensated fairly.
If a bar, for instance, pays Shs 1 million for a music license, the earnings will be distributed based on the frequency of plays.
To enforce compliance, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) will monitor the system, while the Uganda Police will take action against businesses that fail to comply.
Eddy Kenzo, who has been actively involved in advocating for the system, described the development as a major step toward securing artists’ creative rights.
According to him, the journey began last August when musicians met the President at State House Entebbe to push for stronger copyright protections.
“We took this challenge seriously and collaborated with the State House Science team to explore digital and scientific solutions,” said Kenzo said, president and founder of Uganda National Musicians Federation.
He noted that the Copyright Amendment Draft Bill has now been sent back to Parliament, expressing optimism that it will soon be enacted.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, State Minister for Culture Peace Mutuuzo, Eng. Sheba Kyobutungi of the State House Science team, UNCC board member Lilian Mbabazi, and Uganda Performing Right Society chief executive Maureen Nassuuna.
Kenzo, a presidential advisor on creatives, extended gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and Tayebwa for their support, vowing to push for the law’s passage to ensure Ugandan artists benefit from their creations.
Uganda’s creative industry – including arts, fashion, crafts, advertising, design, entertainment, architecture, literature, media, software and more – has become a vital force in accelerating human development.
According to available information, the creative sector in Uganda contributes approximately 3% of the country’s GDP, with estimates stating that the creative and cultural industries generated around $1.6 billion in revenue in the 2018/2019 financial year.
