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By Our Staff Reporter
Uganda | March 17, 2026- Uganda’s creative industry is marking a significant milestone following the passage of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by the Parliament of Uganda. The legislation, which aims to strengthen protections for artists and ensure fair compensation for their work, now awaits presidential assent to become law.
The bill has been widely welcomed by musicians and other creatives, many of whom have long pushed for reforms to address gaps in royalty collection and distribution. Celebrations were led by prominent Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo, alongside fellow performers and industry stakeholders who gathered to applaud what they describe as a “long-overdue victory.”
For years, artists in Uganda have raised concerns over inadequate systems to track usage of their music, particularly across broadcast media, public venues, and digital platforms. Many argued that despite widespread popularity, they received little to no financial return from their work.
The newly passed amendment seeks to address these challenges by introducing stricter enforcement mechanisms, improving transparency in royalty collection, and holding users of copyrighted material more accountable. Industry observers believe the reforms could significantly improve livelihoods for musicians, producers, and other rights holders.
Industry Reaction
Speaking during the celebrations, artists expressed optimism that the law will usher in a more sustainable creative economy. Eddy Kenzo, a leading voice in the campaign for artists’ rights, emphasized the importance of unity within the industry to ensure effective implementation once the bill is enacted.
“This is not just a win for musicians, but for all creatives in Uganda,” one participant noted. “We’ve been waiting for a system that recognizes the value of our work.”
While the passage of the bill marks a crucial step, stakeholders caution that its success will depend on enforcement and institutional capacity. The focus now shifts to the President’s approval and the establishment of structures to oversee compliance and royalty management.
Experts say that if properly implemented, the law could position Uganda as a regional leader in protecting intellectual property rights, potentially attracting more investment into its creative sector.
Broader Implications
The amendment comes at a time when African creative industries are gaining global recognition. Strengthening copyright protections is seen as essential to ensuring that local artists benefit from the international reach of their content.
As Uganda moves closer to enacting the law, the mood among its creatives remains hopeful. For many, this moment represents not just legislative progress, but a new chapter in the recognition and reward of artistic talent.
