Entertainment News 15 March 2026 Howwe Entertainment
Ugandan Musicians Unite to Defend Clause 9 in Copyright Bill Debate
Prominent Ugandan artists like B2C and Sheebah Karungi are urging Parliament to retain Clause 9 of the Copyright Amendment Bill, which mandates royalties for music played on radio and TV. They warn that scrapping the clause would undermine artists' rights and livelihoods amid ongoing parliamentary debates. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/entertainment/42630/ugandan-artistes-rally-behind-clause-9-in-copyright-bill-debate
Ugandan musicians are voicing strong support for Clause 9 in the Copyright Amendment Bill as it heads back to Parliament for discussion this Tuesday. The clause requires radio and TV stations to compensate artists for airplay, sparking controversy after some MPs proposed its removal last week.
This suggestion has drawn sharp criticism from the music community, who see it as a threat to their earnings. B2C, the popular music group, slammed lawmakers for being out of touch with the creative sector’s challenges. They highlighted how some politicians own media outlets and resist royalties, dismissing the idea that airplay alone promotes artists.
‘Leaders seem detached from society’s realities and prioritize their interests over intellectual property rights,’ B2C stated, calling the opposition absurd.
Singer Sheebah Karungi echoed these sentiments, stressing that artists pour millions into production and videos but receive no returns from broadcasters. She argued that ditching Clause 9 would render the bill pointless, leaving the industry in financial distress.
Sheebah urged her peers to rally and protect their rights during the parliamentary sessions.