Kampala – Uganda’s Parliament has passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for musicians and other creatives, and improving how they earn from their work.
The Bill was processed during plenary under the stewardship of the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and the Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Stephen Baka Mugabi, before being adopted at the Committee of the whole House stage.
Lawmakers introduced several amendments, including one by Daudi Kabanda, which sought to streamline how artistes receive royalties.
Kabanda proposed that payments be made through a system established under the national payment framework and called for the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs to play a role in determining royalties. The amendment was adopted without objection from the Attorney General and the committee chairperson.
The final motion for the third reading of the Bill was moved by the ICT and National Guidance Minister, Chris Baryomunsi, on behalf of the Attorney General, paving the way for its passage. The law now awaits presidential assent.
Artistes witness historic moment
The debate and passage of the Bill drew strong interest from the creative industry, with several artistes attending the plenary session to follow proceedings from the public gallery.
Among them was musician Eddy Kenzo, who welcomed the development as a major milestone for creatives.
“The previous law will be void, and we shall consider the new one. In the previous law, when a musician sold their songs, it would take 50 years for them to regain ownership, but now it’s going to be 20 years,” Kenzo said.
He added that the changes would significantly benefit artistes, noting that works previously sold could revert to their original owners sooner under the new framework.
Boost for creative economy
The amendment is expected to address longstanding concerns in Uganda’s creative sector, particularly around enforcement of copyright and fair compensation in the digital era.
It introduces mechanisms to improve how artistes earn from streaming platforms and other digital distribution channels, while strengthening legal safeguards for intellectual property.
The presence of creatives in Parliament underscored the growing push for reforms in the sector, with many viewing the new law as a turning point for the industry.
If signed into law, the legislation is expected to reshape how musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives protect and monetise their work, while enhancing Uganda’s broader creative economy.
The artistes who attended the session include: Edrisah Kenzo Musuuza, Karungi Sheeba Samali, Pius Pallaso Mayanja, Joseph Mayanja, Moses Ssali, Martin Muhumuza, Micheal Kalumba, Lilian Mbabazi, Lord Fred Sebatta, Alex Lokuten, Cindy Sanyu Okuyo, Daniel Kazibwe Ragga Dee, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Joanita Kawalya, Martin Musoke, Mathew Nabwiiso, Nathan Magoola, Kasendwa Richard and Anne Kansiime.
Others are: Annet Nandujja, Asha Naava Zziwa, Ssewanyana Malcom James, Raymond Kaiza, Richard Mugisha, Shine Nyonyoozi, Edward Okuni, Sulaiman Lwanga, Halima Namakula, Mzee Idi Masaba, Ronald Mayinja, Tyaba Charles Musoke, Kyeyune Mahmood Habib, Nkalubo Rhoan, Lubega Edris, Kyakyimwa Jane, Agaba Ezra, Exodus, Wesly King, Emrice, Bruno K, Komugisha Abia, Ssendijja Farouk, Muyinda Raa, Fanta Busoga, Kikabi Vicent, Kironde VD.