Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mao Norbert has welcomed the newly assented Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, describing it as a major breakthrough that will enable Ugandan artists to finally earn from their creative work.
Speaking about the development, Mao noted that for many years artists have struggled financially and often depended on handouts despite their music and creative content being widely consumed.
“Whenever there is a challenge, artists have had to go begging. But now they are going to eat from their own sweat.”
He explained that Parliament recently passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights legislation, which was later assented to by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, paving the way for stronger protection of intellectual property rights in Uganda.
According to Mao, the government is preparing to roll out a national copyright management system aimed at ensuring artists receive fair compensation whenever their work is played publicly.
He revealed that the system will be installed across radio and television stations, entertainment venues, and bars to monitor music usage and facilitate royalty payments.
“Soon we are going to launch the copyright management system. Every radio and TV station, as well as bars, will have the system.”
He added that artists will still retain the freedom to waive payment if they choose to allow their music to be used for promotional purposes.
“When an artist decides not to get paid and does it for promotion, that is okay.”
The new law is expected to strengthen Uganda’s creative industry by promoting professionalism, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring artists earn sustainable income from their talent
