Ugandan musicians, filmmakers and other creatives are calling for stronger copyright enforcement and transparent royalty systems to ensure they are paid whenever their work is used commercially.
Martin Muhumuza, manager of musician and Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives Eddy Kenzo, said many artists continued to struggle to earn from their work despite efforts to strengthen copyright protection in the country.
He said limited awareness of copyright laws, weak enforcement and gaps in royalty management had made it difficult for creators to benefit fully from their music, films and other creative works.
Muhumuza argued that protecting artists should go beyond passing laws to ensuring that musicians receive royalties when their songs are played on radio and television, used in entertainment venues or distributed through digital platforms.
“Creativity is not merely entertainment. It is intellectual property, employment, business and, above all, a national economic resource,” he said.
He called for transparent royalty collection and distribution systems, easier access to copyright registration services and the use of digital technology to track where and how creative works are used.
For many artists, the ability to make a living from their talent depends not only on producing good music or films but also on receiving payment when businesses use their work to attract audiences and generate revenue.
Muhumuza acknowledged government efforts to improve copyright protection through legal amendments and the establishment of copyright administration structures at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
However, he said these efforts needed to translate into better earnings for artists, songwriters, filmmakers and other people working in the creative industry.
He also called for closer cooperation between government agencies, artists, broadcasters, digital platforms and collective management organisations to improve how royalties are collected and distributed.
The concerns come as the creative industry increasingly relies on digital platforms, where music and other content can reach large audiences but tracking usage and ensuring that creators are paid can be challenging.
Muhumuza said cooperation with regional and international intellectual property organisations would help strengthen copyright management and create better opportunities for Ugandan artists.
The discussions also highlighted Uganda’s role in regional copyright protection through its membership in the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The symposium is part of activities leading up to ARIPO’s 50th anniversary celebrations, expected in November 2026.
For Uganda’s creative industry, however, the key question remains whether stronger copyright protection will put more money into the pockets of the people creating the music, films and other works enjoyed by the public.
Stakeholders say effective enforcement, reliable royalty payments and transparent management could help artists build sustainable careers while encouraging investments in the country’s creative economy.
