music 16 June 2026 Howwe Entertainment
Eddy Kenzo Slams UPRS Over "Shameful" Shs200 Million Royalty Payout
Singer Eddy Kenzo has voiced strong criticism against the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) for its planned Shs200 million royalty distribution, deeming it insufficient and questioning the transparency of the entire process. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/entertainment/43141/kenzo-blasts-uprs-for-disrespecting-musicians-with-low-payouts
Eddy Kenzo, president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), has publicly denounced the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) for what he describes as a “shameful” plan to distribute Shs200 million in royalties.
Speaking to fellow musicians on Tuesday, Kenzo expressed deep concerns about the proposed payout, arguing that the amount is too meager to provide any substantial benefit to the vast number of Ugandan artistes.
“To be honest, that is not fair,” Kenzo stated, questioning the mechanisms behind both the collection and the planned distribution of these funds. He highlighted the perceived disparity between the total amount and the potential individual earnings.
“Shs200 million to the entire country? That means I’m going to get only Shs2,000. It’s a shame,” the award-winning musician elaborated, emphasizing the underwhelming nature of the proposed share.
The Presidential Advisor on Creatives also called for greater accountability and transparency from UPRS leadership. He insisted that musicians have a right to understand how royalty funds are generated and how they are subsequently allocated.
Kenzo’s remarks underscore a growing sentiment among artistes regarding fair compensation and transparent management of their intellectual property rights by collecting societies.