Singer Allan Toniks has called for increased discussions and sensitization around Uganda’s copyright law, emphasizing the benefits such regulations can bring to the country’s creative sector.
Speaking to Canary Mugume during Next Big Talk hosted by Next Radio on Saturday, Toniks said that organizing and advocating for the rights of artists is essential for recognition at both national and international levels.
“There’s a need to continue discussions and sensitisation around the Copyright Law so people can fully appreciate the benefits it comes with. When you organize your industry, the rest of the international ecosystem begins to appreciate, come on board and recognize you,” he said.
He drew parallels with other sectors, noting;
“If the agriculture industry, the Uganda Manufacturers Association and other groups involve the government to secure policies that favor them, why should artists be judged for doing the same?”
His remarks come amid the introduction of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, a proposed law expected to significantly transform Uganda’s creative industry. The bill was introduced by Norbert Maoand seeks to modernize the country’s copyright framework, aligning it with international standards to ensure creators benefit more fairly from their intellectual work
Speaking about the legislation, Mao described the bill as a major breakthrough for Uganda’s creative sector, which encompasses musicians, filmmakers, writers, and other artists.
“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 note that the proposed amendments address long-standing challenges faced by Uganda’s creative community, particularly the widespread unauthorized use and distribution of artistic works.
Among the key reforms is a new revenue-sharing model for caller ringback tones (CRBT), a popular telecom service that plays music
instead of a standard ring when calls are made.
Under the proposed system, authors and performers would receive 60 percent of CRBT revenue, telecommunications companies 31 percent, and aggregators 8.5 percent.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau, which oversees intellectual property rights in the country, has welcomed the reforms, noting that the bill could significantly strengthen Uganda’s creative economy by providing stronger legal protection for creators and improving opportunities to monetize their work.
Industry observers see the bill as an acknowledgment of the creative sector’s economic potential, contributing to employment, cultural expression, and innovation.
If enacted, it 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 advocated for stronger legal protections, particularly in the digital era, where music and other creative works are increasingly distributed online.
The bill aims to provide fair compensation for creators while curbing piracy, a persistent issue undermining the earnings of Uganda’s entertainment industry.