President Yoweri Museveni has given the green light to a Copyright Management System aimed at protecting Ugandan musicians and ensuring they earn royalties from their work. The system, developed by State House scientists under Eng. Sheba Kyobutungi, will track the usage of songs in public spaces and guarantee that artists receive fair compensation.
During a meeting in Rwakitura with top officials and musicians, including Eddy Kenzo, President Museveni emphasized the role of technology in safeguarding artists’ rights.
“Now, technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where,” he stated.
How the System Works
The Copyright Management System will:
✅ Register musicians’ works in a central database
✅ Track song usage in bars, TV stations, and radio stations
✅ Ensure artists are paid for every play of their songs
✅ Combat music piracy and unauthorized use
To achieve this, businesses such as bars and broadcasters will be required to install a licensed device that tracks the number of times a song is played. Payments will be made based on usage.
For instance, if a bar pays UGX 1 million for a music license, revenue distribution will be based on play counts. A song played 60 times will earn 60% of the fee allocated to music rights holders.
Enforcement and Compliance
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and Uganda Police will enforce compliance, ensuring businesses install the tracking system. Non-compliant establishments risk fines or closure.
Why This Matters
For years, many Ugandan musicians have struggled financially, especially after their peak years. This system guarantees lifetime earnings from their songs, creating a sustainable future for artists and their families.
