President Museveni just approved a new Copyright Management System to protect Ugandan musicians and make sure they get paid. At a meeting in Rwakitura, he told top officials and musicians—like UNMF’s Eddy Kenzo—that now technology can show who’s played his song and where.
“The new technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where.”
This system will register musicians’ work, track how often their songs play in bars, on TV, and on the radio, and ensure they earn their fair share. It also aims to crack down on music piracy.
Here’s how it works: Bars, radio stations, and TV channels must use a licensed device to play Ugandan music. The system monitors each play and pays artists accordingly. For example, if a bar pays Shs. 1, 000,000 for a music license and a song gets played 60 times, the artist earns 60% of that fee.
Enforcement is strict. Bars need to install a tracking device, the UCC will monitor everything, and Uganda Police will enforce the rules. Businesses that don’t comply risk closure.
This matters because many musicians struggle financially after their peak. This system promises them lifetime earnings from their songs, which benefits both the artists and their families.
State House scientists, led by Eng. Sheba Kyobutungi, developed the project. The UCC, URA, and Uganda Police will work together to make sure everything runs smoothly.
With this system, Uganda’s creative industry steps into a new era of professionalism and financial stability—a big win for copyright protection and artist empowerment.
Details to follow…
