KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s music scene is no stranger to public debate, but the latest controversy centers not on artistic rivalries but on the government’s recently approved Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 .
The legislation has drawn mixed reactions from key industry players, prompting a conversation about the future of intellectual property in the country.
Media entrepreneur Nyanzi Martin Luther recently initiated a discussion by questioning the effectiveness of Uganda’s existing copyright framework, which he described as “costly, inefficient, and out of touch with the needs of local creators.”
His remarks resonated with many artists who have long grappled with issues of monetization, rampant piracy, and inefficient royalty collection.
In contrast, Eddy Kenzo, president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), responded to the skepticism with optimism. Following a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, Kenzo assured artists that the new bill is specifically designed to “protect creative work and ensure financial stability for performers.”
Despite this assurance, many musicians, particularly those without major label backing, remain concerned about the practical implementation of the law.
They question whether they will receive the necessary education on how to register their work, if small radio stations will be able to comply with tracking requirements, and if the royalty system will actually deliver on its promises.
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Nyanzi argues that unless the reforms are implemented transparently and fairly, they risk reinforcing the very inequalities they aim to correct.
“A working copyright system benefits everyone — artists, media houses, even fans,” he said, emphasizing that a truly effective system must serve all stakeholders.
As the new law prepares to take effect, all eyes are on the government, artists’ unions, and broadcasters to ensure it is not just another headline, but a real opportunity to build a sustainable future for Ugandan music.
The success of the legislation will ultimately depend on its ability to overcome decades of mistrust, a lack of enforcement, and limited infrastructure.
