Yesterday, President Museveni gave green light to a Copyright Management System to protect musicians and ensure they earn from their work.
“Now technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where,” said President Museveni during a meeting in Rwakitura with top officials & musicians, including Eddy Kenzo.
The Copyright Management System will: Register musicians’ works, Track usage in bars, TVs and radios, Ensure artists get paid for plays and End music piracy
How it works: Businesses like bars, radio and TV stations will need a licensed device to play Ugandan music. The system will monitor and ensure musicians earn a fair share.
Example: If a bar pays Shs one milllion for a music license, artists will get paid based on play counts. A song played 60 times earns 60% of the fee.
Bars must install a device to track plays UCC will monitor compliance, Uganda Police will enforce the law and non-compliant businesses risk closure
Many musicians struggle financially after their peak years. This system ensures lifetime earnings from their songs, benefiting both artists and their families.
The project was developed by State House scientists under Eng. Sheba Kyobutungi. Agencies like Uganda Communications Commission, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Uganda Police will work together to enforce compliance.
With this system, Uganda’s creative industry is set for a new era of professionalism & financial stability. Huge step forward for copyright protection & artist empowerment.
