President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has endorsed the Copyright Management System designed to ensure Ugandan musicians earn fair compensation for their work. The system, developed by State House scientists, will digitally track the usage of music in bars, radio stations, and TV stations, marking a significant step in curbing piracy and securing financial stability for artists and creatives alike.
During a meeting at his country home in Rwakitura on February 28, 2025, attended by Rt. Hon. Tayebwa, the deputy speaker of parliament and musicians, led Senior Presidential Advisor for creatives and Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) president Eddy Kenzo, Museveni emphasized the role of technology in protecting artists’ rights. “Now technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where,” Museveni stated, underscoring the system’s ability to monitor music consumption and ensure rightful earnings for musicians.
Under the new framework, businesses that play Ugandan music must install licensed devices that record play counts. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) will oversee the system, while the Uganda Police will enforce compliance. Non-compliant businesses risk closure. If a bar, for instance, pays Shs 1 million for a music license, the money will be distributed based on the frequency of plays. Dr. Joel Isabirye, a principal development economist at State House, elaborated on the system’s benefits. “Every business that uses music for entertainment charges people to come and get entertained. If a bar plays music by Afrigo Band, customers are paying to enjoy that atmosphere. Musicians should earn from that revenue.”
Kenzo, a driving force behind the initiative, hailed it as a transformative milestone. “We took this challenge seriously and collaborated with the State House Science team to explore digital and scientific solutions,” he said. He also expressed optimism about the Copyright Amendment Draft Bill, now resubmitted to Parliament.
According to Isabirye, the system will ensure fair compensation regardless of an artist’s status. “If Shs 1 million is paid by a business, every artist earns a percentage based on how often their song is played. This ensures musicians continue to earn even after their peak years.” Media houses like television and radio stations that play 100% local music, the likes of Juliana Kanyomozi, Afrigo Band and others make money and are able to attract advertisements from the music. it is only right that artists are able earn from the playing and streaming of their work.
The initiative promises long-term benefits, ensuring musicians receive sustained earnings even in retirement and solidify their legacy in the industry. “Many artists struggle financially when they can no longer perform. With this system, they will earn forever because their old songs will still generate revenue,” Isabirye explained. The Copyright Management System is under the Copyright Amendment Bill which will after re-submission to the parliament and be enacted, hopefully, signals a new era of financial security in Uganda’s creative industry.
