The Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) has announced a royalty distribution of Shs 216 million to music rights holders, while acknowledging continued concerns from artists over low earnings despite growing consumption of Ugandan music.
Speaking to the media in Kampala on Wednesday, UPRS Board Chairman Martin Nkoyoyo said the funds were collected from the licensing and commercial use of music across different sectors, including media houses, events and other users of copyrighted works.
Nkoyoyo said the latest distribution reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the collective management system, but admitted that returns to artists remain below desired levels.
“We recognise that many members continue to have high expectations regarding royalty earnings and that the amounts received by some rights holders may not yet reflect the true value of their creative works,” Nkoyoyo said.
He said UPRS is implementing reforms aimed at improving licensing coverage, increasing compliance among music users, and strengthening enforcement to boost future collections.
Nkoyoyo noted that challenges in tracking music usage remain one of the biggest obstacles to ensuring fair and accurate royalty distribution.
“Fair distribution is only possible when the Society has reliable information on where, when and how music is used,” he said, adding that the organisation is investing in improved monitoring systems and reporting tools.
According to Nkoyoyo, the Shs 216 million payout should be viewed as part of a broader reform process aimed at rebuilding trust in the collective management system and improving transparency in royalty distribution.
He assured members that all collected funds are held in trust and distributed in line with established policies and international collective management standards.
“The Board and Management remain committed to ensuring every collection made is distributed fairly and equitably,” he said.
Nkoyoyo, however, acknowledged that overall collections remain below expectations, limiting the amount available for distribution despite increased consumption of Ugandan music across radio, television and digital platforms.
He said UPRS is working with stakeholders in the music industry to expand licensing coverage, improve compliance among music users, and strengthen data systems to better capture music usage.
The announcement comes amid long-standing criticism from musicians and rights holders who have repeatedly questioned royalty payments, citing delays and low returns despite the growing popularity of Ugandan music locally and internationally.
Nkoyoyo said ongoing reforms are expected to improve revenue performance and enhance future payouts to artists.
“We remain confident that the measures being implemented today will result in stronger collections, improved monitoring and more meaningful royalty returns in the years ahead,” he said.
UPRS called for patience from members as reforms continue, saying the long-term goal is to build a more efficient and transparent royalty management system that fairly rewards creators in Uganda’s music industry.