news 19 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Prepares New Copyright Rules to Ensure Artist Compensation
Uganda is set to implement new copyright regulations in December, aiming to ensure artists and other creatives are paid for the use of their music and intellectual property by businesses like bars and telecommunication companies. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/new-copyright-rules-to-force-bars-telecoms-to-pay-artists-for-music-use-5638296
The Ugandan government is finalizing new copyright regulations scheduled for release in November and implementation in December. These measures are designed to bolster the protection of artistic creations and guarantee fair compensation for musicians and other creative professionals.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao announced that the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026, recently assented to by President Museveni, is now entering its operational phase. The new framework aims to resolve disputes and tackle issues such as the unauthorized use of music in entertainment venues and by telecom companies.
Under the proposed rules, bars and discotheques will be required to implement copyright management systems to pay artists when their music is played. Failure to comply could result in penalties, including the revocation of operating licenses. Similarly, telecommunications firms utilizing artists’ music will be mandated to ensure adequate compensation for creators.
These initiatives address long-standing grievances within the creative community regarding the commercial exploitation of their work without proper payment. Minister Mao emphasized that copyright protection must yield tangible economic benefits, enabling artists to earn from their talent and contribute to national development. The regulations are also intended to address challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital content distribution.
Regional bodies like the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) have called for enhanced cooperation to strengthen intellectual property rights across Africa, highlighting the potential for IP to drive economic growth and sustainable development.