Politics 18 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Uganda's Parliament Passes Long-Awaited Copyright Amendment Bill, Sparking Joy Among Creatives
Parliament approved the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on March 17, 2026, prompting cheers from creatives in the public gallery. The law promises better royalties, stricter penalties for infringement, and protections aligned with international standards. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4304/smiles-creatives-mps-pass-copyright-law
Creatives erupted in celebration from the public gallery as Uganda’s Parliament passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Many others waited eagerly outside, tracking updates on their phones after years of anticipation for improved protections.
Under Speaker Anita Among’s leadership, the House adopted key amendments proposed by Hon. David Kabanda. These empower the Minister for Justice to set royalty collection procedures in consultation with the Registrar General, ensuring fair payments to musicians, authors, and performers via the National Payment Systems Act.
Collecting societies now have broader roles in distributing royalties, while the Registrar will oversee commercial uses of sound recordings and audio-visual works, reporting periodically to the minister. Registration of copyrights becomes essential for enforcement, including blocking infringing content, as emphasized by Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
Penalties for unauthorized reproduction, broadcasting, or distribution are toughened, with convictions carrying up to 10 years in jail or fines of Shs50 million. Selling equipment for piracy could lead to 7 years imprisonment or Shs40 million fines. Illegal collecting societies face up to 10 years or Shs100 million penalties.
The Bill introduces ‘orphan works’—copyrighted items with untraceable owners—requiring diligent searches before licensing, with fees and reversion rights to authors if identified. It extends protection to literary works, translations, adaptations, and folklore, fulfilling treaties like the Berne Convention.
Committee chair Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi highlighted gaps in addressing AI-generated content, urging future updates. Originally a Private Member’s Bill by Hon. Hillary Kiyaga, it was adopted by the government, moved by Justice Minister Hon. Norbert Mao, and finalized by ICT Minister Hon. Chris Baryomunsi.
The legislation awaits presidential assent to take effect.
Source: Parliament of Uganda