President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has approved the operationalization of Uganda’s new copyright management system, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen intellectual property rights and provide better protection for creatives.
“When the tape recorders came, the main problem was recording someone’s song on the radio and multiplying it for economic gains. Now, this technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where, or that what you have sung belongs to another person,” President Museveni remarked.
The announcement was made on Friday, February 28, 2025, during a meeting in Rwakitura attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Minister of State for Gender and Culture Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, and a delegation of musicians led by Eddy Kenzo, Senior Presidential Advisor for Creatives and President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF).
Key Features of the Copyright Management System
The new system introduces several essential features designed to protect content creators’ rights and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. One of its key components is a centralized registration system, which requires musicians to register their works in a national database. This creates an official record of copyrighted material, providing clear ownership and helping to prevent disputes.
Another critical feature is usage tracking, which monitors how often and where music is played — whether on radio, television or in entertainment venues like bars and hotels. This data forms the basis for royalty distribution, ensuring that artists are paid according to the frequency of how their music being is used. This approach guarantees that creators receive fair and accurate compensation for their work’s reach and popularity.
To combat illegal distribution, the system also includes anti-piracy measures. By tracking unauthorized usage and deterring piracy, it helps reduce the spread of unlicensed music and protects the financial interests of artists.
How the System Will Work
Dr. Joel Isabirye, Principal Development Economist at State House, provided an in-depth explanation of how the system will operate, outlining its key components and the role for various stakeholders.
The process begins with registration, where musicians will officially register their songs with the system. This step establishes a clear record of ownership and ensures that creators are properly credited and compensated for their work.
Next, the system will focus on monitoring licensed venues — businesses that use music for entertainment, such as bars, hotels, and event spaces. These establishments will be required to pay a licensing fee and install a monitoring device to track the music they play. This approach creates transparency and ensures that the use of artists’ content is documented and regulated.
A crucial part of this framework is revenue sharing. Businesses that use music to attract and entertain customers will be obligated to share a portion of their earnings with the artists whose content contributes to their success. Dr. Isabirye illustrated this point, saying,
“Every business that plays music for entertainment charges people to get entertained. If a bar plays Afrigo Band music, customers pay for the experience. Musicians should receive a share of that revenue since their work generates income.”
In addition to entertainment venues, media houses will also be required to compensate musicians for the value their music brings to radio and television programming. Dr. Isabirye emphasized the impact of local music on media profitability, explaining, “Stations that play 100% local music attract advertisements because audiences tune in for artists like Sheebah Karungi and Juliana Kanyomozi. Musicians aren’t asking for all the advertising revenue — just a fair share for their contribution.”
“This is about cooperation, and the payments will be reasonable — just a way to acknowledge that businesses use musicians’ work to generate revenue. If a bar or media house fails to comply, the system will flag them, and UCC will take action,” Dr. Isabirye noted.
Long-Term Benefits for Creatives
The copyright management system is designed to address the persistent financial challenges many Ugandan musicians face, especially after their peak years. By guaranteeing a sustainable income stream from their creative work, the system promises long-term financial security for artists well into their retirement.
Dr. Joel Isabirye explained that the system’s revenue distribution model is based on actual airplay rather than artist popularity, ensuring fair compensation for creators. For instance, if a venue pays Shs1 million as a licensing fee and one artist’s song is played 60% of the time, that artist will receive Shs600,000, with the remaining amount shared among other artists whose music was used. This approach ensures earnings are directly tied to the frequency of airplay, creating a fair and transparent system.
“Many musicians face financial struggles when their careers decline,” Dr. Isabirye noted. “With this system, artists will continue to earn from their past work, even in retirement or ill health. Their families and future generations will also benefit from these royalties.”
The system was developed by State House scientists under the leadership of Engineer Sheba Kyobutungi and will be implemented in collaboration with key agencies, including the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and the Uganda Police Force. This multi-agency approach ensures effective enforcement and oversight, further strengthening the system’s reliability.
Eddy Kenzo expressed his gratitude for the initiative, calling it a milestone for Uganda’s creative industry.
“Ladies and gentlemen, fellow creatives, I am honoured to share with you a significant milestone in our journey to protect the creative rights of Ugandan artists,” Kenzo said.
He recalled a previous meeting at State House Entebbe, where President Museveni challenged artists to propose solutions to safeguard their work under the amended Copyright Law.
Kenzo thanked Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, State Minister for Culture Peace Mutuuzo, and the State House science team for their collaboration. He also announced that the Copyright Amendment Draft Bill had been sent back to Parliament for further consideration.
“The President expressed satisfaction with our proposed solutions, and we are thrilled to learn that the Copyright Amendment Draft Bill has been sent back to Parliament. We are optimistic that the amended Copyright Law will be enacted soon,” he said.
Kenzo emphasized the commitment to ensuring the amendment’s passage and the protection of Uganda’s creative industry. He noted that the new system marks a significant step toward professionalism and financial stability for Ugandan artists.
The approval and forthcoming implementation of the copyright management system represent a transformative moment for Uganda’s creative industry. By ensuring fair compensation, protecting intellectual property, and promoting professionalism, the system offers long-overdue support for Ugandan artists.
With strong collaboration between government agencies, creatives, and private businesses, the system is poised to enhance the country’s cultural output and create a more sustainable future for content creators.