Music industry consultant Geoffrey Jeff Ekongot has called for stricter enforcement of copyright laws in Uganda, saying that legal action against offenders is key to changing the long-standing culture of music piracy in the country.
Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, Ekongot reflected on the evolution of Uganda’s creative sector.
“Every era has its time. In the 60’s, theatre ruled this country. Now it seems that music dominates,” he said.
Ekongot further highlighted the persistent challenge of music piracy in Uganda, naming DJ Erycom as one of the top offenders who has “gotten away with it for decades.” He explained that the habits of unauthorized distribution can only change when the law is applied consistently.
“Once we get into the habit of suing people for copyright infringement, the habits of wanting to pirate music will change,” he said.
Ekongot also noted the central role of the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) in regulating music usage, explaining that the organization controls 90% of international music and has permitted its play on radio and television platforms.
Ekongot’s remarks come amid growing efforts by the Ugandan government to modernize copyright laws. In recent days, the government introduced the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025,, spearheaded by Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao. The bill is designed to strengthen protections for creators and align Uganda’s intellectual property framework with international standards.
“This bill is a game-changer for our creative industry. It will provide stronger protection for creators, streamline the sector, and introduce tougher penalties for piracy and copyright infringement,” he said.
Officials say the proposed amendments aim to address long-standing challenges faced by Uganda’s creative community, including unauthorized use and distribution of artistic works. A key provision is a new revenue-sharing model for caller ringback tones, under which authors and performers will receive 60% of generated revenue, telecommunications companies 31%, and aggregators 8.5%.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), which oversees intellectual property rights administration, has welcomed the reforms, saying the bill could significantly boost Uganda’s creative economy. URSB officials also highlighted the legislation’s potential to curb piracy and help artists earn fairly from digital platforms.
Industry observers have described the bill as a recognition of the economic potential of Uganda’s creative sector, which contributes to employment, cultural expression, and innovation.
If enacted, the amendments are expected to create a more structured and transparent system for managing intellectual property rights while encouraging investment in cultural and creative industries.
Artists and other stakeholders have long advocated for stronger legal protections to ensure fair compensation, particularly as digital distribution reshapes content consumption.