President Museveni has approved a copyright management system designed to help Ugandan musicians earn from their work by digitally tracking music usage.
Developed by State House scientists, the system aims to combat piracy and provide financial stability for artists by monitoring where and how their music is played.
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During a meeting at his Rwakitura residence with government officials and musicians, including Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) president Eddy Kenzo, Museveni emphasized the role of technology in protecting artists’ rights.
“Technology should now be able to show us who has played my song and where,” he stated.
The system will register artists’ works and track their usage across bars, TV stations, and radio stations. Businesses playing Ugandan music must install licensed devices that log play counts, ensuring artists receive fair compensation.
For example, if a bar pays Shs 1 million for a music license, the earnings will be distributed based on how frequently each song is played.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) will oversee compliance, while police will enforce the regulations, with non-compliant businesses facing possible closure.
Eddy Kenzo, who has been a key advocate for the system, hailed the initiative as a breakthrough for artists’ rights. He recalled that discussions with the President began last August at State House Entebbe, leading to collaboration with the State House Science team on digital copyright solutions.
“We took this challenge seriously and worked closely with the State House Science team to find a digital and scientific approach,” said Kenzo, who also serves as a presidential advisor on the creative sector.
The Copyright Amendment Draft Bill has been resubmitted to Parliament, and Kenzo expressed confidence in its passage.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, State Minister for Culture Peace Mutuuzo, Eng. Sheba Kyobutungi from the State House Science team, Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) board member Lilian Mbabazi, and Uganda Performing Right Society CEO Maureen Nassuuna.
Kenzo thanked Museveni and Tayebwa for their support, promising to push for the law’s enactment to secure artists’ earnings.
This initiative signals a new era of professionalism and financial security for Uganda’s creative industry.
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