Today Parliament of Uganda enacted The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Ammendment)Bill.
A historic moment and life changing opportunity for Creatives across the country.
Finally we can earn from our works and sweat!!!
On behalf of UNMF and on my own behalf, we would like to sincerely thank the President @YoweriMuseveni for fulfilling his promise to the creatives and guiding us all through the process.
Gratitude to the leadership of Parliament Rt.Hon Anita Among and Rt.Hon Thomas Tayebwa for supporting and ensuring that this bill finally passes in the 11th Parliament after 2 and half years of tireless engagements.
We also thank The Attorney General @KK,Ministry of Justice, MPS,Gen.Saleh, UNMF Patron and Secretariat,Creatives from allover, other stakeholders and every supportive voice that has seen us through this struggle to victory.
We still have alot to achieve but our Hope is now strengthened more than ever with a legal foundation to lean on for protection.
Now let's have the Regulations concluded to actualise the Law and officially Launch the Copyright Management System.
A thriving Creative Sector benefits us all as a country and our contribution to development cannot be ignored. GOD ABOVE ALL 🙏
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬
Big win for Uganda’s creatives! President Museveni has given the green light to a Copyright Management System to protect musicians and ensure they earn from their work.
“Now technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where,” said President Museveni during a meeting in Rwakitura with top officials & musicians, including @eddykenzoficial .
The Copyright Management System will:
✅ Register musicians' works
✅ Track usage in bars, TVs & radios
✅ Ensure artists get paid for plays
✅ End music piracy
How it works: Businesses like bars, radio & TV stations will need a licensed device to play Ugandan music. The system will monitor and ensure musicians earn a fair share.
Example: If a bar pays Shs. 1M for a music license, artists will get paid based on play counts. A song played 60 times earns 60% of the fee
Enforcement:
Bars must install a device to track plays
UCC will monitor compliance
Uganda Police will enforce the law
Non-compliant businesses risk closure
Why it matters: Many musicians struggle financially after their peak years. This system ensures lifetime earnings from their songs, benefiting both artists & their families.
The project was developed by State House scientists under Eng. Sheba Kyobutungi. Agencies like @UCC_Official , @URAuganda , and Uganda Police will work together to enforce compliance.
With this system, Uganda’s creative industry is set for a new era of professionalism & financial stability. Huge step forward for copyright protection & artist empowerment.