The Team Leader of Uga Tunes, Shadrack Kisame, has described the introduction of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 as a “new dawn” for the country’s creative sector, emphasizing that it presents exciting opportunities for both artists and businesses.
Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, Kisame noted that the legislation is not a threat to media houses or bar owners, clarifying that “the actual bill has no problem because the amounts are not overrated.” He stressed the importance of sensitisation for both creatives and business owners to understand the changes.
“Uganda has some of the most creative artists in the world. Ugandan music is rare. When it comes to creativity, there is no question there,” he said.
Kisame explained that historically, low investment in the creative sector has been due to uncertainty among investors about returns, but the new copyright law is set to bring structure and stability.
In recent days, government introduced the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, spearheaded by Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao. The bill aims to modernise Uganda’s copyright framework and align it with international standards, ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their intellectual work.
The legislation has been described by Laroo-Pece MP-elect as a “game-changer” for Uganda’s creative industry, covering musicians, filmmakers, writers, and other artists. It seeks to strengthen protection for creators, streamline the sector, and introduce tougher penalties for piracy and copyright infringement.
Officials say the amendments address longstanding challenges faced by Ugandan creatives, particularly the widespread unauthorised use and distribution of artistic works. Key reforms include improved earnings for artists in the digital era, such as a new revenue-sharing model for caller ringback tones—a popular telecom service where callers hear music instead of the standard ring.
Under the proposed structure, authors and performers will receive 60% of the revenue, telecommunications companies 31%, and aggregators 8.5%.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), which manages intellectual property rights in the country, has welcomed the reforms, stating that the bill could significantly strengthen Uganda’s creative economy, curb piracy, and provide better opportunities for monetisation of creative works.
Industry observers note that the bill reflects the government’s growing recognition of the creative industry’s economic potential, which contributes to employment, cultural expression, and innovation.
If enacted, the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 is expected to create a more structured and transparent system for managing intellectual property rights, while encouraging investment in Uganda’s cultural and creative sectors.
Artists and other stakeholders have long called for stronger legal protections to ensure fair compensation, particularly as digital platforms increasingly dominate content distribution. Kisame’s remarks echo widespread optimism that the new legislation could mark a turning point for Uganda’s creative economy.
“This is a new dawn for the creative sector and I think everyone in that sector should be excited,” Kisame said.
